The Origin Story Behind the Casting of Rick and Morty's Iconic Characters

The Origin Story of Rick and Morty's Casting

The eccentric animated sitcom Rick and Morty has become a pop culture phenomenon since its debut in 2013. Created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, the show centers around the misadventures of mad scientist Rick Sanchez and his fretful grandson Morty as they travel across infinite alternate universes and realities.

A huge part of the show's appeal lies in its unique characters. At the core is the dysfunctional relationship between Rick, voiced by Justin Roiland himself, and Morty, voiced by Roiland in his trademark nervous, cracking pubescent voice. The rest of the Smith family - Morty's dad Jerry, mom Beth, and sister Summer - round out the main cast.

But how exactly did the show assemble its talented cast of voice actors? Let's take a look at the origin stories behind the casting of Rick and Morty's iconic characters.

Justin Roiland as Rick and Morty

Co-creator Justin Roiland actually provides the voices for both of the show's eponymous characters. Roiland initially conceived the characters as part of a parody backstory he created for the real-life pop song "The Real Slim Shady" by Eminem. He dubbed this bizarre backstory "The Real Animated Adventures of Doc and Mharti" and produced an animated short featuring the characters.

Roiland showed the crude short to Dan Harmon and the two decided to develop Rick and Morty as their own animated series. Roiland's raw talent for improvisation and distinctive vocal range were a natural fit for bringing Rick and Morty to life. His rapid, stammering Morty voice contrasts perfectly with his belching, cynical Rick voice.

Spencer Grammer as Summer

For the voice of Rick's granddaughter Summer, producers cast actress Spencer Grammer. Grammer was already known for providing voice work in animated shows like As Told By Ginger. She brings a sardonic yet grounded quality to the character of the family's cynical but sensible teenage girl.

In an interview, Grammer said she identified with Summer's desire to be considered smart and mature despite being underestimated. Her delivery captures Summer's frequent exasperation with her eccentric family while still portraying the warmth underneath.

Sarah Chalke as Beth

Playing the voice role of Rick's daughter Beth is Sarah Chalke, well-known for live-action comedy roles in shows like Scrubs and How I Met Your Mother. Chalke's Beth is a horse surgeon who feels perpetually overshadowed by her larger-than-life father Rick.

To voice Beth's complex resentment and admiration for her dad, the producers felt Chalke's comedic timing and ability to tap into a character's hidden emotions from her live-action work made her the perfect fit. Her dynamic vocal performance brings out Beth's complicated psychology.

Chris Parnell as Jerry

Starring as the hapless dad Jerry is comedian Chris Parnell, a Saturday Night Live alum. Best known for playingawkward, insecure characters in shows like 30 Rock, Parnell was a natural choice for Jerry, continuously walked over by his narcissistic father-in-law Rick.

Parnell captures Jerry's defeated but optimistic personality with his trademark voice, breathing life into lines that underline Jerry's mediocrity. Parnell's vocal delivery expertly conveys Jerry's familiar character dynamic - whether he's pathetically trying to get respect from Rick or quibbling with Beth overParenting.

Supporting Cast and Guest Stars

In addition to the main Smith family, Rick and Morty features a diverse supporting cast and a rotating roster of guest stars. Some of the show's most iconic supporting roles include:

Kari Wahlgren as Jessica

Jessica is Morty's secret crush at school, voiced by prolific animation actress Kari Wahlgren. Wahlgren brings an endearing, down-to-earth quality to Jessica's dialogue, highlighting her personality as a friendly, intelligent teen girl.

Tom Kenny as Squanchy

Squanchy is one of Rick's peculiar alien friends. Voiced by Tom Kenny, known for SpongeBob SquarePants, Squanchy's dialogue is punctuated by his bizarre verbal tic of inserting "squanch" into words at random. Kenny's voice work highlights the warped alien's humorous quirks.

Maurice LaMarche as Krombopulos Michael

Krombopulos Michael is an assassin who buys weapons from Rick. Veteran voice actorMaurice LaMarche lends Michael his polite, matter-of-fact delivery layered with deadpan menace. LaMarche's vocal performance makes the dangerous alien oddly likeable.

The list goes on, with Dan Harmon even casts celebrities to do guest voice spots, from David Cross to Werner Herzog. Each actor brings their own unique spin to the ever-expanding cosmic world of Rick and Morty.

Conclusion

After over 70 episodes, it's clear the recipe of Rick and Morty's voice cast is perfectly blended to generate the show's one-of-a-kind comedy. Justin Roiland's dual lead role creates an inimitable dynamic at the story's heart. The supporting cast each complements Roiland's performances with their own takes on humor, emotion, and sci-fi absurdity.

As the series continues to explore new universes, the performers behind Rick, Morty, and company demonstrate how even animation relies on the organic chemistry between actors. Their vocal talents combine to make Rick and Morty's characters feel more real than any live-action show out there.

FAQs

Who voices Rick and Morty?

Rick and Morty are both voiced by co-creator Justin Roiland. Roiland actually developed the characters originally for a crude animated short parodying Eminem's "The Real Slim Shady" song.

Who voices Summer on Rick and Morty?

The voice of Rick's granddaughter Summer is provided by actress Spencer Grammer, known for other animated shows like As Told By Ginger. Her delivery captures Summer's sarcasm and exasperation with her family.

What other shows has the Beth voice actor been in?

Beth is voiced by Sarah Chalke, best known for live-action comedy roles on shows such as Scrubs and How I Met Your Mother. Her versatility enables her to voice Beth's complex relationship with her father.

Why was Chris Parnell a good fit for Jerry?

As a Saturday Night Live alum, Chris Parnell specializes in playing insecure, pathetic yet lovable characters, making him perfectly suited for hapless dad Jerry. His trademark voice embodies Jerry's mediocrity.

What celebrities have done guest voices on Rick and Morty?

The show features many celebrity guest voice spots, including David Cross, Werner Herzog, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Christina Hendricks and many more.