Posted in: Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Max, Preview, Rick and Morty, TV | Tagged: Adult Swim, preview, rick and morty, season 7, trailer

Rick and Morty Offers "Numbericons" BTS Look; S07E09: Heavenly Heist?

Go behind the scenes of Rick and Morty "Rise of the Numbericons: The Movie." Plus, is Rick planning a heavenly heist in "Mort: Ragnarick"?

The space saga began back in the second season with "Get Schwifty!" and then stormed its way into this past weekend's episode of Adult Swim's Rick and Morty, S07E08: "Rise of the Numbericons: The Movie." Now, we're getting a chance to hear how the Ice-T-starring (yup, no Dan Harmon this time) episode built upon the end credits scene from five seasons earlier, going with an 80s-inspired animation style, and more from Harmon, director Lucas Gray, and writer Rob Schrab. Following that, we look ahead to this weekend's episode, with Jerry apparently the focus of what Rick and Morty are up to in S07E09: "Mort: Ragnarick." But if we're hearing things correctly, it sounds like Jerry's just a means to an end. Is Rick really considering stealing from the afterlife?

Here's a look at how "Rise of the Numbericons: The Movie" came together, followed by a look ahead to the season's penultimate episode and a chance to hear from Ian Cardoni & Harry Belden, our new Rick and Morty:

Rick and Morty Voice Actors on Replacing Roiland, Critics & More

Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Cardoni and Belden, respectively – shared how they responded when the news hit that series co-creator Justin Roiland was being replaced as the voice of the dimension-hopping duo. In addition, Cardoni & Belden offered some insight into the casting process and what it was like coming aboard the Emmy Award-winning animated series – including what Harmon and series showrunner Scott Marder put them through. And finally, the duo discusses the online critics and if they've been following what's happening on social media:

Cardoni & Belden Didn't Hesitate When News Hit That Justin Roiland Was Being Replaced:

Belden: "'I got to jump on this.' I emailed my agent and said, 'If you got any requests for this 'Rick and Morty' thing, I do a decent Rick and Morty, so I'd love to be considered and to send them my stuff.'"

It Helped That the Duo Had Already Been Practicing the Voices:

Belden: "Oh, yeah. I think, like most fans, I had done impressions of Rick and Morty for fun with my friends. And over time, I guess I was doing it enough that it turned into something that I thought I could really do."

Cardoni: "Same. I already had an impression reel that I had given to my managers that included 'Rick and Morty' voices. But as Harry mentioned, it was, 'Wow, this could be a big opportunity; I think I could do these voices.'"

We Could've Ended Up with Cardoni as Morty and Belden as Rick Since They Auditioned for Both Roles:

Belden: "Most 'Rick and Morty' fans don't just imitate one of them. Ian and I have laughed because I thought my Rick was a lot stronger than my Morty, which shows how much I know."

Cardoni: "And I thought during the audition process that my Morty was getting stronger. So, during the process, we were both up for both."

Cardoni & Belden Share Some Insights Into the Casting & Voice Work Process:

Belden: "Like, 'What if Morty was just channeling Rick here?' 'What if Morty wasn't quite as submissive, but he was really dominating and angry here?' 'What if he was being a bit cold and calculated, much like a certain Morty who wears an eyepatch?' You could tell they were having a lot of fun with us."

Cardoni: "There was a session with Scott where I had to do some matching to Chris Parnell's character, who had voiced his half of a combined being. That's a skill to match existing animation but also match the timing of another actor without that actor being there. Also, towards the end, they brought in a vocal coach for us to work with – even before we were cast. What that showed me is that as rigorous and exhausting as that process was, they were looking out for us. It was a preview of how supportive and how conscious they were of not hurting our voices or going overboard."

Cardoni & Belden Are Focusing on Their Work – Not Their Critics:

Cardoni: "I try to avoid that. My focus has been on doing the best voice I can. I avoid going down any rabbit holes online. As a fan, I know this show touches people worldwide, and the characters mean a lot to the fans. I share that love of the show and care for the character. Wanting to be my best Rick is with me every time I record."

Belden: "I'm not allowed to look at the online comments. My girlfriend won't let me. So, I've had blinders on through this whole process. I completely understand people being nervous. Change is scary, especially with something so iconic that many people love. But nobody is going to be a harsher critic than yourself. So, I'm striving to be the best Morty I can be."

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