In recent days, allegations have emerged about Rick And Morty co-creator Justin Roiland, who is facing charges of domestic battery and false imprisonment in Orange County – and now, network Adult Swim has confirmed that it will no longer be working with Roiland, but will continue to make the sci-fi comedy cartoon without him. A statement reads: “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.”
According to The Hollywood Reporter, co-creator Dan Harmon (also behind Community) will continue as sole showrunner – while the removal of Roiland will also require the recasting of both Rick and Morty, the voices of which have so far been provided by Roiland himself. Back in 2018, Adult Swim ordered 70 episodes of the hugely popular show – and currently, it’s created less than half of that number since the deal went through. If the show continues to be produced, the current deal will have it run to 10 seasons.
Roiland has pled not guilty, and is awaiting trial. “Not only is Justin innocent,” says his attorney T Edward Welbourn, “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.”