Adult Swim has decided to terminate its longstanding partnership with Rick and Morty co-creator Justin Roiland following the unsavoury news of his felony domestic abuse charges in Orange County, but has insisted the hit animated series will (somehow) continue.
Just hours ago, the network issued a statement via social media to reassure the masses more content is on the way, effectively putting an end to almost two weeks’ worth of speculation:
“Adult Swim has ended its association with Justin Roiland. Rick and Morty will continue. The talented and dedicated crew are hard at work on season 7.”
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While the writing can obviously be led under the sole leadership of fellow co-creator Dan Harmon, who also serves as the lone showrunner from here on out, the ongoing production will need to fulfil the difficult task of re-casting Roiland’s voice roles; who was obviously the man behind every character from the titular Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith to the ever-crucial Mr Poopybutthole.
The status of Roiland’s other projects, however, are less clear. Given how both Solar Opposites and the recently premiered Koala Man produced in collaboration with Australia’s Michael Cusack exist under the Hulu and 20th Television Animation banner, we can’t imagine the controversy-averse folks over at Disney will allow someone with accusations of this nature to remain on their payroll.
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At the time of this writing, Rick and Morty has been renewed right through to season 10 by Adult Swim. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Justin Roiland will continue to be credited as co-creator despite the, well… everything.
Earlier this month, after pleading not guilty, Roiland’s attorney T. Edward Welbourn said: “Not only is Justin innocent but we also have every expectation that this matter is on course to be dismissed once the district attorney’s office has completed its methodical review of the evidence.”
