Top 10 A-List Actors Who Made Guest Appearances on Rick & Morty

Rick and Morty stands out in the world of adult animation, not just for its crazy storylines but also for its remarkable lineup of guest stars. The show’s primary cast already features familiar voices, such as Chris Parnell from Saturday Night Live as Jerry Smith and Sarah Chalke, known for Scrubs, voicing Beth Smith. These talented actors help anchor the series, but the slew of guest appearances by A-list celebrities elevates the show’s charm significantly.

Following recent changes in the cast structure prior to Season 7 due to allegations against co-creator and voice actor Justin Roiland, the show welcomes new talent.Harry Belden and Ian Cardoni are set to take over the roles of Rick and Morty, respectively. They are expected to reprise these roles for the upcoming eighth season. In 2018, Adult Swim committed to a whopping 70-episode renewal, confirming the show will continue through its tenth season, ensuring that fans can anticipate more high-profile guest appearances in the foreseeable future.

10 Alfred Molina as The Devil

Season 1, Episode 9: “The Devil”

Alfred Molina delivers a memorable performance as the eponymous Devil in the ninth episode of the series. In this storyline, Summer takes a job at a second-hand shop dealing in cursed items, run by none other than Mr. Needful, the Devil. Tensions rise as Molina’s character faces off against Rick, who employs his scientific prowess to combat the cursed objects’ effects. Even as Rick scoffs at the devil’s antics, Summer chooses to defend him, highlighting her unwavering loyalty.

When Mr. Needful ultimately betrays her trust, Rick and Summer engage in a montage workout set to DMX’s “X Gon’ Give It To Ya, ”subsequently seeking revenge on Summer’s former employer. Molina’s guest role not only adds depth to the episode but also stands out as a fan-favorite moment, showcasing his versatility as an actor, previously celebrated for his portrayal of Dr. Otto Octavius in Spider-Man 2.

9 Christina Hendricks as Unity

In 2 Episodes

Christina Hendricks, renowned for her role in Mad Men, contributes to the intricacies of the Rick and Morty narrative as the character Unity. This unique hivemind can share consciousness across vast groups, embodying her notion of world peace. Hendricks first appears in season 2, episode 3, titled “Auto Erotic Assimilation, ”where she is revealed to be Rick’s former romantic interest. Unity’s return in season 7 offers a nostalgic pull as she attempts to persuade Rick not to confront Rick Prime, reconnecting with the series’ overarching plot.

Despite the charm of her return, critics noted some inconsistencies in the storyline. Nevertheless, Hendricks’s portrayal of Unity establishes a palpable connection with Rick, further emphasized by their emotional separation in season 2, which left a lasting impact on the storyline. The stirring montage as Rick grapples with his emotions punctuated by Chaos Chaos’ “Do You Feel It?”results in one of the most haunting conclusions in the series.

8 Keith David as The President

In 9 Episodes

Keith David’s recurring role as The President adds a significant layer of comedic flair to the series. Best known for memorable roles in films and TV shows, David first steps into this pivotal character during season 2, episode 5, “Get Schwifty, ”when he entreats Rick and Morty for assistance with an urgent intergalactic talent competition. The relationship between Rick and the president starts off rocky, fraught with misunderstandings and humorous exchanges.

As a character with nearly nine appearances within the series, David’s President Curtis is expected to return. Interestingly, David also lent his voice to Reverse Giraffe in season 2, episode 4, “Total Rickall, ”expanding the depth of his contributions to the Rick and Morty universe.

7 Werner Herzog as Old Reptile

Season 2, Episode 8: “Interdimensional Cable 2: Tempting Fate”

Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Werner Herzog brings a unique gravitas as Old Alien or Old Reptile in the Rick and Morty universe. His character is linked to the honorable Shrimply Pibbles, an intergalactic civil rights leader. During a poignant scene at an alien hospital, Herzog delivers a stirring monologue reflecting on human culture when faced with an unconventional organ transplant scenario involving Jerry.

Herzog’s involvement underscores the creative risks of the show, as he infuses his trademark philosophical style into the narrative. Known for his remarkable films and documentaries, Herzog holds a celebrated position in the industry, recognized among the most influential people in Time magazine in 2009. His Old Reptile character takes full advantage of his iconic voice, contributing a memorable touch to season 2.

6 Susan Sarandon as Dr. Wong

In 4 Episodes

Susan Sarandon graces the show with her presence as Dr. Wong, a therapist providing counseling to the Smith family. She first appears in the critically acclaimed “Pickle Rick”episode and has made multiple subsequent appearances since her initial showing in season 3.

Episodes Featuring Dr. Wong	Year
Rick and Morty season 3, episode 3, “Pickle Rick”	2017
Rick and Morty season 4, episode 10, “Star Mort Rickturn of the Jerri”	2020
Rick and Morty season 6, episode 8, “Analyze Piss”	2022
Rick and Morty season 7, episode 3, “Air Force Wong”	2023

Her recent appearance in season 7 is particularly striking, featuring a memorable intervention scene alongside Rick and the President. Sarandon’s inclusion has sparked discussions surrounding representation, as the character Dr. Wong is portrayed as Asian, a contrast to Sarandon’s actual ethnicity.

5 Christian Slater as Vance Maximus

Season 3, Episode 4: “Vindicators 3: The Return of Worldender”

Adding to the ensemble is Christian Slater, known for his dynamic roles in ’90s films, who portrays Vance Maximus in the third season’s “Vindicators 3: The Return of Worldender.”As the charismatic leader of a group of superheroes, Vance is idolized by Morty but dismissed by Rick as overrated.

Tragically, Vance Maximus meets a gruesome end after an unexpected twist during their battle against the villain Worldender. Despite this, Slater’s character remains iconic within the Rick and Morty franchise, leading to future appearances in a spin-off series centered around The Vindicators.

4 Alison Brie as Planetina

Season 5, Episode 3: “A Rickconvenient Mort”

Alison Brie’s character, Planetina, stands out in the fifth season, specifically in “A Rickconvenient Mort.”Fans recognize Brie from her previous work with Dan Harmon in Community. In this episode, Planetina emerges as a superhero devoted to Earth’s preservation, showcasing her elements of fire, water, earth, and air.

Their relationship becomes a focal point, reflecting darker themes in the storyline, marking a poignant moment for Morty. Brie’s involvement enriches the show, as she seamlessly blends her comedic and dramatic skills to create a multifaceted character.

3 Lisa Kudrow as Tyrannosaurus Rex God

Season 6, Episode 6: “JuRicksic Mort”

Lisa Kudrow takes on a whimsical role in season 6 as the Tyrannosaurus Rex God, continuing the show’s trend of blending humor with creativity. Voicing a dinosaur character alongside Jason Mraz and co-creator Dan Harmon, Kudrow’s comedic timing shines as they navigate a world where dinosaurs possess evolved skills and technology.

This intriguing episode revisits the show’s deeper existential themes, as Rick realizes that despite his status as an intelligent being, the dinosaurs have surpassed humanity in many aspects. Kudrow’s performance adds a modern comedic twist to a classic storyline.

2 Hugh Jackman as Hugh Jackman

Season 7, Episode 1: “How Poopy Got His Poop Back”

Hugh Jackman’s cameo as himself in the Season 7 premiere illustrates the series’ unique ability to blend celebrity culture with absurd storytelling. In “How Poopy Got His Poop Back, ”Jackman teams up with Rick, providing comic relief in a chaotic intervention for Mr. Poopy Butthole. This unpredictable episode has Jackman engaging in wild antics with Rick and Morty, providing laughs while also touching on themes of friendship and support.

Jackman’s appearance not only entertained fans but also reinforced the show’s penchant for guest stars renowned for their comedic abilities, a trend that continues to excite viewers.

1 Glen Powell as Kywatt

Season 7, Episode 7: “Wet Kuat Amortican Summer”

Finally, Glen Powell makes an exciting appearance in Season 7 as Kywatt. In the episode “Wet Kuat Amortican Summer, ”Summer and Morty encounter fascinating adventures during a party that goes awry. Powell’s character adds intrigue when it is revealed he is part of a sinister kidnapping plot seeking to exploit Morty in a nod to classic heist narratives.

Although his character meets a quick demise, Powell’s participation showcases his comedic versatility, highlighted through the absurdities of Rick and Morty’s universe.

Source: Time

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