Why did Rick and Morty creator Justin Roiland get fired by Hulu and Adult Swim?
The co-creator of Rick and Morty, one of the most popular animated shows in history, has seen a number of companies cut their ties with him following the recent criminal charges brought against him.
Justin Roiland is currently awaiting trial on charges of domestic violence against a former girlfriend.
The prosecutors in Orange County, California, have charged the 42-year-old creative with corporal injury and false imprisonment by menace, fraud, violence or deceit against his ex, with whom he was sharing a home at the time.
His former girlfriend has chosen to remain anonymous, with the police sharing that Roiland’s actions left her in a “traumatic condition”.
As it stands, Roiland has pleaded not guilty and is set to return to court in April to make his case.
In the meantime, a number of companies have announced they are parting ways with the Rick and Morty lead, including Adult Swim and Hulu.
On January 24, Adult Swim made a statement via the official Rick and Morty Twitter account, saying: “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.”
As a co-creator of Rick and Morty, Roiland had been the voice artist behind both lead characters. However, according to The Hollywood Reporter, his voice roles will now be recast and Dan Harmon will become the sole showrunner from season seven to season 10.
Hulu, the US streaming platform that had been collaborating with him for Solar Opposites and Koala Man, also ended their partnership.
In a statement shared with the PA news agency, Hulu and 20th TV Animation said: “We have ended our association with Justin Roiland.”
PA understands that Solar Opposites and Koala Man will continue without Roiland’s involvement.
The gaming company Roiland had set up back in 2016, Squanch Games, revealed that he had stepped down as their chief executive officer.
The statement read: “On January 16, 2023, Squanch Games received Justin Roiland’s resignation. The passionate team at Squanch will keep developing games we know our fans will love while continuing to support and improve High on Life.”
