‘Rick and Morty’ will finally be making their way to the big screen after over a decade of interdimensional chaos. However, creator Dan Harmon doesn’t seem to be looking to make a longer version of the hit animated series; he’s going for something much more ambitious.
Dan Harmon Wants More Than Just A Giant ‘Rick And Morty’ Episode
In a comment shared by Cartoon Network president Michael Ouweleen, Harmon hopes the movie will bring back the feeling viewers had when exiting classic adventure films from the 1980s. It’s a lofty ambition, and one that has the potential to make the project even more cinematic than fans would hope.
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“What Dan would want to do with the Rick and Morty movie is that he indelibly remembers going to see the Indiana Jones movies, so he’s solving for that feeling of walking out. He’s like, ‘I want to replicate the feeling of walking out and hitting the sidewalk having just seen an Indiana Jones.”
That’s an exciting surprise for a franchise that is usually known for its weird humor, existential crises, and universe-breaking storylines. The most difficult part of any TV-to-film adaptation is making it worthwhile. Fans are not interested in spending money on something that feels like a long episode.
Moreover, newcomers do not want to spend years of homework on a story. That seems to be what Harmon is looking to prevent. The filmmaker says that instead of just references and callbacks, he wants viewers to leave the movie theater with a feeling of excitement and wonder, as they would from a classic adventure film.
It’s a tall order to meet, particularly for a franchise that frequently plays with the rules of storytelling instead of following them. However, that’s a goal that may be what makes the film special. The project could, if successful, even out the show’s hallmark silliness with a more substantial emotional and cinematic journey.
The Franchise Is Bigger Than Ever
The film comes at a time when ‘Rick and Morty’ are at their busiest. A new spinoff about President Curtis is also in the works, and Season 9 will be coming soon. The franchise has been around for over a decade and has been expanding into new markets.
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The good news for prospective film buffs is that the movie is being developed for both die-hard fans and new audiences. This means that viewers won’t have to consult an encyclopedia of multiverse knowledge to enjoy the adventure.
There are, of course, many questions to be answered. There is no official title, plot synopsis, or release date. However, the creative objective itself provides an intriguing window into what Harmon hopes to accomplish.
‘Rick and Morty’ has always been a show that has been able to blend outrageous humor with surprisingly heartfelt stories when it’s at its best. It is not going to be simple to take those attributes to the big screen.
However, if Harmon can get even a little of the awe and excitement he’s seeking, the first ‘Rick and Morty’ film could be more than just another animated adaptation of the show. It could be the most ambitious of the franchise’s endeavors.
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