The Evil Mortys

Lore & Background

The existence of The Evil Mortys highlights a darker philosophical corner of the multiverse: the question of whether consciousness is defined by its creator or itself. While most Ricks view their alternate Mortys as disposable tools for emotional support or errand running, this faction asserts that they are sentient beings deserving of freedom. Their ideology spreads through secret networks within the Citadel, recruiting disillusioned Mortys who have suffered under abusive or neglectful Ricks. The group's tactics involve sabotage, assassination, and psychological warfare against the Council. They do not merely seek to kill Ricks but to break the systemic dependency that keeps billions of Mortys trapped in endless loops of servitude. A flashback in Season 3, Episode 1 shows the leader murdering his own guardian Rick, appearing the same age as other Mortys, granting him the unique independence necessary to orchestrate the faction's rise.

In Their Own Story

The portal hummed with unstable energy, flickering between realities like a dying star. One by one, they stepped through, their green jumpsuits stained with the dust of a thousand worlds. They didn't speak; the silence was heavier than gravity here. In the center stood the leader, his face obscured by shadow and static. He raised a device that pulsed with stolen Citadel tech. 'No more,' he whispered to the void, his voice carrying across dimensions. Behind him, hundreds of Mortys waited, their eyes reflecting not fear, but determination. The Ricks thought they owned the multiverse. Tonight, the children were taking it back.

Reader's Guide

For new viewers encountering this faction, understanding The Evil Mortys requires grasping the show's core theme of existential dread versus agency. Unlike typical villains who want power for greed, these characters fight for liberation from a system that treats them as property. They first gained prominence during the Citadel storylines, where the sheer scale of Rick-Morty relationships was revealed to be industrialized slavery on a cosmic level. Their presence forces the main characters to confront the morality of their own actions and the Council's regulations regarding alternate versions. Fans should note that not all Evil Mortys are identical; while they share a uniform aesthetic, individual motivations vary based on how harshly their specific Ricks treated them. The faction represents the ultimate consequence of Rick's nihilism: creating life only to discard it eventually leads to rebellion. This group remains one of the most significant threats in the series because they cannot be simply outsmarted by standard science; they understand the emotional weakness inherent in every Rick-Morty dynamic.

Did You Know?

• Members often wear the standard green jumpsuit but accessorize with tactical gear scavenged from fallen Ricks.
• The group's base in Season 3, Episode 7 is within the Citadel, not a hidden dimension.

Season Nine Premiere and Renewal

The ninth installment of the acclaimed adult animated series Rick and Morty made its debut on Adult Swim on May 24, 2026. This release marked a significant milestone in the show's long-running trajectory, following a period of anticipation for fans eager to see where the narrative would evolve next. The production timeline was solidified well before this premiere; back in January 2023, it was officially confirmed that the series had secured a long-term deal extending its run through at least the tenth season. This commitment by the network ensured stability for the creative team and allowed for continued storytelling across multiple future years. Furthermore, momentum continued to build as October 2024 brought another major announcement: the show received renewal for two additional seasons, pushing the franchise forward to a twelfth season with twenty new episodes added to the slate. These consecutive renewals underscore the enduring popularity of the series and its ability to maintain high production standards over an extended period.

Critical Acclaim and Reception

Upon its release, the ninth season of Rick and Morty garnered immediate and overwhelming praise from critics. This unanimous approval highlights the continued quality of writing, animation, and voice acting that has defined the series throughout its run. The high rating suggests that the creative team successfully navigated the complexities of long-form storytelling while maintaining the unique blend of dark humor, sci-fi concepts, and emotional depth that audiences have come to expect. Such a flawless reception is rare for any television season, let alone one in an established franchise entering its later years. This critical consensus reinforces the show's status as a standout in adult animation and validates the decision by Adult Swim to invest heavily in its future through multiple renewal deals.

The Return of Evil Morty

A central narrative focus of this era involves the character known as Evil Morty, voiced by Harry Belden. Unlike his primary counterpart, who is often depicted as nervous and doubtful about his grandfather's extravagant adventures, Evil Morty represents a darker, more calculated evolution of the character archetype. This specific version of Morty is distinguished by having left the Central Finite Curve behind, a significant plot development that separates him from the multiverse constraints affecting other iterations of Rick and Morty. The casting of Harry Belden to portray both the standard Morty Smith and this sinister variant allows for nuanced vocal performances that highlight the stark differences between their personalities. While the main Morty struggles with anxiety and uncertainty, Evil Morty operates with a clear sense of purpose and autonomy, making him one of the most compelling antagonists in the series' history.

Ensemble Cast and Guest Appearances

Season nine brings a massive ensemble mix of returning favorites and high-profile guests. They’re joined by Tilda Swinton as The Collective, Keegan-Michael Key and Eddie Pepitone as Fourth-Dimensional Beings, and Owen Wilson as Reese. Notable guest spots include Andy Serkis as the Cat and Mouse Killer, Justin Long voicing an unnamed alien acting as Gorilla #3 and Hyena #3, and Stephen Root playing Carl Nipslip, Butch, and others. This lineup fills the show's vast multiverse with distinct voices.