How the Voices Bring Rick and Morty Anime to Life

When the beloved Rick and Morty series jumped into an anime‑style short, fans instantly wondered who would be behind the new vocal performances. The answer isn’t just a handful of Japanese voice actors – it’s a blend of the original English cast and seasoned dub talent, each adding a distinct flavor to the crazy multiverse.

Why the Anime Adaptation Needed New Voices

The original series relies heavily on the chemistry between Justin Roiland (Rick) and Chris Perry (Morty). In the anime‑styled short, however, the visual language shifts dramatically. Directors wanted voices that could match the heightened emotional beats typical of Japanese animation while still retaining the show’s signature sarcasm.

That meant finding actors who could swing from deadpan nihilism to earnest wonder without missing a beat. The result? A hybrid cast that respects the source material and embraces the anime aesthetic.

Meet the English Cast Reprising Their Roles

Even though the project took a visual turn, the producers kept the core of the original duo:

• Justin Roiland – As always, he delivers Rick’s gravelly, drunken tirades, adding a few extra inflections to suit the more exaggerated anime expressions.
• Chris Perry – Morty’s nervous energy translates well, and Perry subtly adjusts his pacing to fit the faster‑paced anime action sequences.

Both actors recorded new lines specifically for the short, allowing them to play off the stylized animation rather than the usual 2‑D cartoon timing.

Japanese Voice Actors Who Took on the Roles

When the short was dubbed for Japan, a fresh set of talent stepped in. Here’s a quick look at the main players:

• Masahiro Morioka as Rick – Known for his deep, resonant voice in many sci‑fi series, Morioka injects a darker, more ominous tone that feels right at home in an anime world.
• Rikako Aikawa as Morty – A seasoned actress famous for playing nervous teenage boys, she captures Morty’s awkward charm while adding a touch of cuteness typical of anime sidekicks.

Both Japanese actors also contributed additional ad‑libs during frantic battle scenes, giving the short a slightly different comedic rhythm than the English version.

Supporting Cast: Voices Behind the Multiverse

Beyond the titular duo, several side characters receive special treatment. In the English dub, familiar voices return:

• Tom Kenny as Birdperson – his melodic delivery blends perfectly with the more fluid anime animation.
• Ryan Ridley voices Mr. Poopybutthole, adding a whimsical bounce that matches the short’s rapid‑fire jokes.

The Japanese version swaps in local talent:

• Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Birdperson – his soft, ethereal tone gives the character a surprisingly introspective vibe.
• Kana Hanazawa as Summer – she brings a confident, slightly sassy delivery that feels fresh compared to the original.

How the Directors Coordinated the Dual Recordings

The production team used a two‑track approach. First, the English cast recorded their lines while watching a rough animation layout. Then, the Japanese team received a locked‑in English track and matched their performances to the timing, adjusting for cultural nuances. This method ensured jokes landed similarly in both languages, even if the phrasing changed.

According to an interview with the series’ sound supervisor, “We wanted the humor to feel universal. That meant letting the Japanese actors improvise a bit on the spot, especially during the chaotic portal‑hopping scenes.”

Key Differences Between the Two Versions

Listeners often notice subtle shifts:

• Pacing – The Japanese dub tends to be a tad faster, reflecting typical anime rhythm.
• Humor Style – Some wordplay gets localized, resulting in fresh punchlines that differ from the original.
• Emotional Beats – Morioka’s Rick occasionally leans into a more tragic undertone, while Roiland keeps his sarcasm front‑and‑center.

These differences aren’t mistakes; they’re deliberate choices aiming to make the short resonate with distinct audiences.

Behind‑the‑Scenes: The Voice Director’s Role

Both versions credit Mike Miller (English) and Yoshihiro Matsumoto (Japanese) as voice directors. Their job went beyond simply reading lines – they coached the actors on how to convey the bizarre, interdimensional humor without losing emotional authenticity.

Miller recalls an especially tricky scene where Rick explains a paradox. “We asked the actors to pause just long enough to let the absurdity sink in, then deliver the punchline with a deadpan sigh. It’s a delicate balance.”

Matsumoto faced a similar challenge, but added a subtle pitch shift during the climax to heighten the surreal feel. “Anime fans expect a crescendo of intensity,” he noted. “We wanted the voice to ride that wave.”

Fan Reactions and What It Means for Future Projects

Social media buzz shows fans are split – some love the fresh takes, while purists cling to the original English voices. Yet the overwhelming sentiment is curiosity about what could come next. Could we see a full‑length anime series with this hybrid voice approach? The positive response suggests producers are listening.

In any case, the short proves that voice work can transcend language barriers, especially when creators respect both the source material and the new medium’s conventions.