A longtime series creative may finally bring the franchise to theaters

Warner Bros. reportedly moving forward with movie plans

May 20, 2026 – After years of speculation, a Rick and Morty movie may finally be becoming reality. New reports claim that Warner Bros. is actively developing a feature-length adaptation of the wildly popular animated sci-fi franchise, with a veteran creative from the series reportedly in talks to direct.

The development has immediately sparked excitement among longtime fans who have spent years wondering whether the chaotic multiverse adventures of Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith could successfully transition from television to the big screen.

Although Warner Bros. has not officially confirmed the project publicly, industry insiders suggest conversations surrounding a theatrical film have accelerated significantly ahead of the show’s upcoming ninth season.

Credit: Adult Swim

Dan Harmon has discussed a movie before

The idea of a Rick and Morty film is not entirely new. Series co-creator Dan Harmon previously revealed that discussions with Warner Bros. about a feature adaptation had already taken place years ago.

At the time, Harmon reportedly described the concept as something closer to a “super episode” rather than a complete reinvention of the series. Producers associated with the show also acknowledged that a movie felt inevitable given the franchise’s massive cultural influence and commercial success.

Since premiering in 2013, Rick and Morty has evolved from cult favorite into one of Adult Swim’s biggest global franchises. The series blends absurdist comedy, science fiction, emotional family drama, and philosophical themes while following genius scientist Rick Sanchez and his anxious grandson Morty through increasingly bizarre multiverse adventures.

Its popularity has led to merchandise, video games, anime-inspired spin-offs, and expanding franchise ambitions across Warner Bros. Discovery.

A “series veteran” directing could reassure fans

One of the biggest points generating excitement is the reported involvement of a longtime creative figure from within the Rick and Morty production team itself. While the filmmaker’s name has not yet been formally announced by Warner Bros., reports indicate the studio specifically wanted someone deeply familiar with the show’s tone, pacing, and mythology.

That decision could prove critical.

Animated television adaptations often struggle when expanding into feature-length storytelling because the tone that works in shorter episodes can become difficult to sustain over two hours. By potentially selecting someone already embedded in the franchise’s creative DNA, Warner Bros. may be attempting to avoid the tonal disconnect that has affected other animation-to-film adaptations.

Fans online have already started speculating about possible directors, producers, and storylines that could anchor the film.

Credit: Adult Swim

The timing aligns with franchise expansion plans

The reported movie development also arrives during a period of major expansion for the Rick and Morty universe. Adult Swim recently announced President Curtis, a new spin-off centered on Keith David’s recurring character from the main series.

At the same time, Season 9 of Rick and Morty is preparing for release later this month, continuing the network’s long-term investment in the franchise. The show was previously renewed through multiple future seasons as part of an expansive agreement with Adult Swim.

From Warner Bros.’ perspective, a theatrical film would represent the next logical step in transforming Rick and Morty from a successful television series into a broader multimedia entertainment property.

The franchise has evolved significantly in recent years

The movie discussions also come after one of the most transformative periods in the show’s history. Following the departure of co-creator and original voice actor Justin Roiland in 2023, many fans questioned whether Rick and Morty could survive creatively.

However, subsequent seasons were generally received more positively than many expected, with replacement voice actors Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden stepping into the roles of Rick and Morty respectively. Critics and audiences largely agreed that the series managed to maintain its core identity despite the behind-the-scenes turbulence.

That renewed confidence may have encouraged Warner Bros. to move forward more aggressively with franchise expansion plans, including the possibility of a theatrical feature.

Translating the series into a film presents challenges

Despite enthusiasm, adapting Rick and Morty into a movie is not without risk. One of the show’s defining strengths is its unpredictability and episodic storytelling style. Episodes can jump between existential sci-fi horror, emotional family conflict, satire, and absurd comedy within minutes.

Expanding that energy into a feature-length narrative without losing momentum will likely be one of the biggest creative challenges facing the project.

There is also the question of accessibility. While longtime fans deeply understand the show’s mythology and recurring multiverse concepts, Warner Bros. may need to ensure the movie remains approachable for casual audiences unfamiliar with the series’ dense continuity.

Still, if executed correctly, the film could become one of the most ambitious adult animated theatrical releases in recent years.

Fans are already debating potential storylines

Social media reactions to the reports have been intense, with fans immediately theorizing about what the movie’s plot could involve. Some believe the film should focus on a large-scale multiverse catastrophe, while others argue the movie would work best if it stayed emotionally grounded around the dysfunctional Smith family.

Others simply want the theatrical version to fully embrace the scale advantages of cinema, allowing the creators to push animation, action, and science-fiction visuals further than television budgets typically allow.

Interestingly, some fans also pointed out that Rick and Morty episodes already feel cinematic at times, which could make the transition smoother than expected.

Credit: Adult Swim

Final Thoughts

A Rick and Morty movie has been rumored for years, but the latest reports suggest Warner Bros. may finally be serious about bringing the franchise to theaters. With a series veteran reportedly attached to direct, the studio appears focused on preserving the unique voice and chaotic energy that made the show a global phenomenon. Whether the project ultimately becomes a multiverse epic or simply an oversized version of the series itself, anticipation is already building rapidly among fans eager to see Rick and Morty’s madness unfold on the big screen.

FAQs

Q1. Is a Rick and Morty movie officially confirmed?
Warner Bros. has not officially confirmed the project yet, but industry reports say a movie is actively moving forward in development.

Q2. Who is reportedly directing the Rick and Morty movie?
Reports claim a veteran creative from the Rick and Morty series is in talks to direct, though no official name has been announced.

Q3. Has Dan Harmon discussed a Rick and Morty movie before?
Yes. Dan Harmon previously confirmed he had conversations with Warner Bros. about developing a feature-length adaptation.

Q4. When does Rick and Morty Season 9 premiere?
Season 9 is scheduled to premiere later this month on Adult Swim.

Q5. Is the Rick and Morty franchise expanding beyond the main show?
Yes. Adult Swim recently announced a spin-off series focused on President Curtis, voiced by Keith David.