Rick and Morty fans speculate that ousted creator and voice actor Justin Roiland will be replaced by A.I. after he was accused of sexual harassment and predatory behavior

With the new season of Rick & Morty just over a month away, fans are speculating that ousted co-creator and voice actor Justin Roiland will be replaced by AI.

Roiland, 43, played mad scientist Rick Sanchez and his 14-year-old grandson, Morty Smith, on the hit Adult Swim series, which debuted in 2013 and whose new season is set to premiere October 15.

The network severed ties with Roiland in January 2023, after his unreported 2020 arrest for domestic battery and false imprisonment became public, although criminal charges against him were dropped in March 2023 due to lack of of evidence, although there is no indication that he is returning to the show.

Adult Swim revealed shortly after the arrest was made public that Roiland had been fired and that the characters he plays – which also include Noob Noob, Mr. Poopybutthole and Naruto Smith – would be recast.

Executive producer Steven Levy revealed to fans at San Diego Comic-Con in July that there would be “sound-alikes” that would sound like the characters when Roiland voiced them… although now many want that. Reddit are convinced that Roiland will be replaced by AI

New season: Roiland, 43, played mad scientist Rick Sanchez and his 14-year-old grandson Morty Smith on the hit Adult Swim series, which debuted in 2013, with the new season set to debut on the 15th. october.

“I mean, the timing is perfect, don’t you think? AI is becoming a reality where it could be,” the Reddit poster said, although the post was ultimately deleted by moderators.

Yet even though the post was removed, many editors objected to the suggestion, especially since it is one of the main points of contention in the ongoing actors’ and writers’ strikes.

“Worst idea I’ve ever heard in my life,” wrote Redditor illvria, while jayozWAR added: “I really hope that’s not the case.”

The WGA and SAG-AFTRA are seeking to regulate the use of AI, fearing it could be used to completely replace screenwriters.

Actors also oppose the use of full body scanners that could be used forever by studios after paying the actor a single flat fee for the likeness.

Rick and Morty executive producer Steven Levy told fans at San Diego Comic-Con in July that they were “close to” completing the redesign process.

“We’re nearing the end of our recast process, but I want to say it’s going to be great,” said executive producer Steven Levy.

“I’m really impressed with everything that’s happening, including all the work on Season 7. Really, that’s the thing I don’t want to be overshadowed. The show is as good as it’s ever been summer,” he added.

Timing: “I mean, the timing is perfect, don’t you think? AI is becoming a reality where it could be,” the Reddit poster said, although the post was ultimately deleted by moderators.

Strikes: Although the post was removed, many editors objected to this suggestion, especially since it is one of the main points of contention in the ongoing actors’ and writers’ strikes.

Worst idea: “Worst idea I’ve ever heard in my life,” Redditor illvria wrote, while jayozWAR added: “I really hope this isn’t the case.”

Close: Rick and Morty executive producer Steven Levy told fans at San Diego Comic-Con in July that they were “close” to completing the redesign process.

When asked by a fan in the audience if the new voice actors would sound the same, Levy had this to say.

“They are similar sounds. The characters are the same characters. No change,” said Levy, who was greeted with thunderous applause from the Comic-Con crowd.

Yet even though they look similar, replacement voice cast members have yet to be announced with just a few weeks left before the season begins, fueling AI speculation.

It should also be noted that Rick and Morty is an animated series whose workers are represented by The Annimation Guild (TAG), not the WGA or SAG-AFTRA.