Rick and Morty first came onto the scene in 2013 and quickly gained a loyal following of sci-fi fans who embraced the show’s nerdy humor and irreverent attitude. The hype surrounding the show has come down a bit since its frenzied, guy-flips-out-at-a-McDonalds peak — and thank goodness for that — but it’s still big enough that Adult Swim wants to expand.
To wit, the network has ordered a 10-episode Rick and Morty anime series, directed by the same guy who helmed two anime shorts from the mainline series: Takashi Sano.
The series is called, appropriately enough, Rick and Morty: The Anime. According to SyFy Wire, the spinoff will “will adapt themes and events of the main series” while still doing its own thing. “The multiverse-straddling exploits of Rick and the gang pose challenges to the family bond, but they always rise to the occasion,” Sano said in a statement. “It’s such a life affirming sight, and Jerry is no exception. I am honored to have been given an opportunity to tell a new story about this amazing family. I hope you enjoy their adventures!”
Adult Swim orders new anime series from Sunghoo Park
Adult Swim also ordered a new anime series called Ninja Kamui, about a former ninja who takes up his old way of life when his clan tracks him down and threatens his family. Clearly, the network is going all-in on anime.
“Toonami helped introduce anime to a U.S. audience 25 years ago, and is creating new, dynamic originals for the next generation of anime fans,” said Michael Ouweleen, President of Adult Swim. “These two series build on the legacy of those recent originals such as Fena: Pirate Princess, Blade Runner: Black Lotus, Shenmue the Animation, with Uzumaki and Housing Complex C, premiering later this year.”
Neither Rick and Morty: The Anime nor Ninja Kamui have release dates as of yet.
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