Though the Dan Harmon show is animated,Rick and Mortyhad a live-action interpretation in 2021, and it was about as weird as anyone could expect. Since its premiere in 2013,Rick and Mortyhas run for eight seasons. The raunchy buddy comedy features themisadventures of mad scientist Rick Sanchez and his anxious grandson, Morty Smith. Together, assisted by Rick’s creations, they explore the depths of the sci-fi world,traveling between alternate universes and meeting alien species. Since its creation,Rick and Mortyhas had several spin-offs, though none have been as successful as the original show.
Many audiences loveRick and Morty’s quick wit and unique storytelling, spoofing many common science fiction elements. These jokes often require pushing the boundaries of animation, utilizing art to showcase different scientific plot points, and making fun offamiliar sci-fi tropes. Though brief,Rick and Mortyalso received a live-action rendition in 2021, which was just as weird as the show itself.
Adult Swim’s Live-Action Rick And Morty Promos Were Really Bizarre
The Promos Featured Notable And Recognizable Actors
To promote its 5th season, Adult Swim released several promos featuring a live-actionRick and Morty,with thecharacters played by Christopher Lloyd and Jaeden Martell, respectively. The actors became instantly recognizable, donning the same outfits as the animated characters and talking like them. Lloyd’s casting was particularly notable, helping to bring the show full circle.
These promos, though bizarre, were influential in engaging audiences and piquing curiosity in the fifth season. As fan service,the promos referenced gags and bits from the show, including Pickle Rick and Rick’s portal gun. The actors interact with each other in character, being just as crass in 10 seconds as they are in a typical season.
Rick and Morty could have ostensibly traveled between versions of their world, accidentally entering a live-action universe. Much can be explained through the freedom of science fiction and animation.
The live-action interpretation wasn’t just a gimmick either and was evenreasonably realistic given the extent and logic of the show’s universe. Using the portal gun,Rick and Morty could have ostensibly traveled between versions of their world, accidentally entering a live-action universe. Much can be explained through the freedom of science fiction and animation. However, these promos didn’t specifically advanceRick and Morty’s plot.
Christopher Lloyd, As Rick Sanchez, Casting Brought Rick And Morty Full Circle
Lloyd’s 1985 Character Was The Basis For Rick
Featuring similar characters and plots,the concept ofRick and Mortyis famously a parody of Robert Zemeckis’Back to the Future. In the 1985 movie, Marty McFly must visit the past to repair the future, using the time travel machine of his scientist friend, Doc Brown. This is similar to the partnership between Rick and Morty, using sci-fi elements as the basis of their adventures. ThoughRick and MortyreferencesBack to the Future, it doesn’t tend to make outright connections to it, but the inspiration is evident to audiences of both franchises.
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In theBack to the Futurefilm trilogy,Doc Brown is played by Christopher Lloyd. Brown is characterized by his raspy voice and electric white hair, similar to the animated version of Rick. Though the cartoon version of this scientist is typically voiced by Justin Roiland and Ian Cardoni, he is played by Christopher Lloyd in the live version. This connection made these live-action promos a full-circle moment for the show, as Lloyd, Rick’s original inspiration, finally played the character himself.
As Fun As The Promos Were, Live-Action Rick And Morty Would Never Work
The CG Elements Run The Risk Of Looking Too Uncanny
Though the promos were a fun new look at the characters, a full-version live-action take on the franchise would be hard to manage. Part of the appeal ofRick And Mortyis that itrelies on cartoon logic to pull off the exciting sci-fi elements. This means animating aliens, enemies, allies, and everything in between, which gives the show a lot of creative freedom in plot and character design.
Rick and Mortyis available to stream on Hulu and Max.
While these promos work as short inserts, they only feature Rick and Morty, who are human characters. Any attempt to animate a non-human, like a Gazorpian, Bird Person, or Mr. Meeseeks, risks looking unnatural and strange from the CGI. While interpreting these characters as living creatures in the real world might be a fun animation challenge, it would remove the fun and freedom that the animated art form provides.
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Just because a live-action special would be difficult to achieve doesn’t mean it hasn’t been attempted.Rick and Mortyhas been interpreted in lots of mediumsover its 11-year run. Along with the promos, AI andCG art have interpreted Rick and Mortyas humans. A 2024 spin-off series even sees the animated characters in a different artistic style inRick and Morty: The Anime.Rick and Mortynever ceases to experiment within their cartoon world, testing the logic and pushing the boundaries of animation.
Rick and Morty
Cast
Rick and Morty is an animated science fiction series that follows the eccentric scientist Rick Sanchez and his impressionable grandson Morty Smith as they embark on perilous adventures across space and alternate dimensions. The show explores the impact of these exploits on Morty’s tumultuous family life and personal challenges.
