What If Rick And Morty Was Live-Action? Casting The Main Characters
Rick and Morty is one of the most popular animated shows today but who would take on the roles of the main characters in a live-action version?
Created by Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland, Rick and Morty is an acclaimed animation that follows mad scientist and grandfather Rick Sanchez as he embarks on many crazy scientific adventures with his grandson Morty. Since its initial release in 2013, the show has become one of the most popular series in the world. Fans have seen them travel across multiple dimensions, freeze time, escape an inter-dimensional prison, and even watched Rick turn himself into a pickle.
Perhaps, due to its mind-boggling inventions, worlds, and storylines, the show works best as an animation, but that hasn't stopped viewers wondering who would play the characters if it were a live-action. So, here are who would play the stars of the hit show if it was no longer an animation.
10 Rick Sanchez = Willem Dafoe
Of course, we have to start the list of the most iconic character of the show, Rick. An incredible scientist, an alcoholic, and a reckless grandfather, Rick is the heart and soul of the series. The lead character constantly amuses fans with his impulsive behavior and crazy inventions, most notably turning himself into a pickle and his frequent use of his portal gun.
As one of the most engaging actors today, Willem Dafoe has provided plenty of evidence that he can play a character known for being crazy and reckless, particularly his recent role in The Lighthouse, which is why fans would be incredibly excited to see the legendary actor as Rick.
9 Morty Smith = Jacob Tremblay
The other titular character of the show, grandson and tag-along to Rick Sanchez, is Morty Smith. The 14-year-old kid is frequently out of his depth on his wild adventures with Rick, and although he rarely admits it, he does enjoy them. Despite his common stupid mistakes, from stealing special crystals to creating a snake war, Morty is a genuinely kind and caring kid.
At just 14 years old, his film resume is already very impressive, and after his hilarious performance in Good Boys, we think he would be incredible as Morty Smith.
8 Jerry Smith = Chris Parnell
Often competing with Rick for his family's appreciation, Jerry Smith is also another main character of the show. From his complicated relationship with Beth to his slight insecurity and self-obsession, Jerry is one of the more misguided characters in the show. Fans have seen Jerry and his strained bond with father-in-law Rick develop throughout the show, with Jerry even plotting to kill Rick in "The Whirly Dirly Conspiracy".
The best choice to play live-action Jerry is actually his voice actor Chris Parnell. Since the series began, Parnell, known also for his work on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock, has voiced the character, and it's hard to imagine anyone else playing him.
7 Beth Smith = Rose Byrne
Growing up as daughter to crazy scientist and unreliable father Rick must have been a challenge for Beth and has led her to have very complex abandonment issues during the show. Similar to her father, Beth is an extremely intelligent and independent woman, who happens to be a skilled horse surgeon and a mother.
After a leading role in lawyer-series Damages, Rose Byrne has gone on to feature in many feature films, including comedies Bad Neighbours and Instant Family, where she happens to play a mother, which is partly why she would be a great Beth Smith. Her ability to be comedic, but also serious and intelligent as seen in Damages, makes her the best pick.
6 Summer Smith = Emma Mackey
As the final member of the Smith family, teenager Summer is also a prominent figure in the hit animated show. Commonly shown as jealous of Morty's relationship with their grandfather Rick, she sometimes joins the two on their intergalactic adventures. She's joined in on their journey through Mad-Max apocalyptic and their quest in Anatomy Park and has often proven to be a valuable member of the family.
Known for her breakout role in Netflix's Sex Education as the intelligent and sarcastic Maeve Wiley, Emma Mackey would be the best choice for Summer. Perfect for a bold and quick personality, Mackey is one of the top upcoming actresses.
5 Mr. Poopybutthole = Elijah Wood
Mr. Poopybutthole is a planet-wide superstar, albeit from another dimension, who happens to be close with the Smith clan. Despite only having a small part, he manages to always lift the mood of any situation. He's taken part in a heist with Rick, helped Rick and Morty and Co fight alien parasites, and even become a college professor in season 4.
Few actors have the personality to pull off this character, but Lord of the Rings star Elijah Wood could do the job. Wood has a similar charm to Mr. Poopybutthole and could help to create a hilarious on-screen character. Since he's such a big name, maybe the live-action version could also feature more scenes with the character, which many fans would love.
4 Squanchy = Rami Malek
With a common interest in drinking and with his extremely wild, party animal personality, it's no surprise Squanchy and Rick are good pals. Once again, while only having a small part to play in the series, Squanchy is still a fan favorite. His main appearance came all the way back in season 1, when in the final episode of the season, he crashed Rick's party, leading to the famous time-freezing device.
Rami Malek is the man to play this side character. With roles as the main antagonist in No Time to Die, as well as his previous lead in Mr. Robot and oscar-winning performance in Bohemian Rhapsody, it's no surprise Malek has the acting ability to show all sides of the cat-like creature.
3 Principal Vagina = J.K. Simmons
Principal Vagina has only appeared in a handful of episodes, but whenever he does appear, it's always memorable. In the very first episode, we saw him notify Beth that Morty had only attended 7 hours' worth of school in the past 2 months, then later in Get Schwifty, he had his first major role in an episode. While appearing incompetent as a headteacher and a husband, he has shown his good morals throughout the series.
After seeing his jaw-dropping and Oscar-winning performance in Whiplash, the only possible actor who could play the role is J.K. Simmons. Able to play a relentlessly strict and demanding jazz teacher as well as a raging news reporter J. Jonah Jameson, Simmons would be a perfect principal for Morty and Summer's school.
2 Mr. Meeseeks = Paul Dano
Voiced by show creator and writer, Justin Roiland, Mr. Meeseeks is the name of all Meeseeks summoned by the Mr. Meeseeks Box. As first seen in season 1, when Jerry created a Meeseeks without giving it a purpose, which led to a full-scale invasion by the blue humanoid figures. Mr. Meeseeks have an extremely kind and helpful personality and are always looking to fulfill the purpose given to them.
American actor and director, Paul Dano is becoming increasingly popular with his incredible resume. Known primarily for his slightly creepy and villainous roles in Prisoners, 12 years a slave, and even the upcoming Batman movie, Dano definitely looks the part and would be a solid choice for the character(s).
1 Mr. Goldenfold = Leslie David Barber
Another member of staff finishes off our cast, this time Morty's maths teacher Mr. Goldenfold. Also limited to cameo appearances, Goldenfold's history isn't explored an awful lot. Other than his divorce, not much is known about the character, but this doesn't stop him from making fans laugh despite his little to no care in the world for his students and underlying anger issues.
Almost a spitting image of the character is The Office star Leslie David Barber. After his nine seasons playing paper salesman Stanley Hudson, Barber has proved his amazing comedic presence and acting ability that would make him perfect for the role. Yet to have another popular role like Hudson, this would be a great opportunity for the actor and would be great for the fans.