Adult Swim’s ‘Rick and Morty’ is getting an anime spinoff
A new anime series based on Adult Swim’s modern-day hit Rick and Morty is now in production.
WarnerMedia confirmed that Adult Swim has greenlit a series order for Rick and Morty: The Anime, a 10-episode adventure from Tower of God director Takashi Sano.
Prior to helming the animated spinoff, Sano previously directed two anime shorts in Adult Swim’s hit sci-fi show: Rick and Morty vs. Genocider and Summer Meets God (Rick Meets Evil).
Both of Sano’s anime shorts received widespread fan and critical acclaim upon their debut, generating over 10 million combined views on Adult Swim digital platforms.
Although the acclaimed anime director will adapt themes and events from the main series, Sano noted that Rick and Morty: The Anime will stand on its own as an original work.
“The multiverse-straddling exploits of Rick and the gang pose challenges to the family bond, but they always rise to the occasion,” Sano explained. “It’s such a life affirming sight, and Jerry is no exception.”
He added: “I am honored to have been given an opportunity to tell a new story about this amazing family. I hope you enjoy their adventures!”
The original series, now on its fifth season, follows the story of eccentric scientist Rick Sanchez who tags his grandson Morty Smith on dangerous adventures. In the series, Rick’s daughter and Morty’s mother, Beth, together with Morty’s father Jerry, and sister Summer are also dragged in their intergalactic escapades.
Adult Swim has yet to announce the release date for Rick and Morty: The Anime.
In addition to Rick and Morty, Adult Swim also gave a series order to another anime show, Ninja Kamui.
The futuristic action-adventure anime is directed by Sunghoo Park, who previously helmed God of High School and Jujutsu Kaisen 0, which became the seventh biggest anime film of all time and the 15th highest grossing film in Japan of all time.
Ninja Kamui follows the story of Joe Higan, a former ninja—called Nukenin—who escaped his clan to hide from his violent past in rural America with his family.
While in hiding, however, he is ambushed by a team of assassins from his former organization who exact a bloody retribution on Joe and his family for betraying their ancient code. Rising from his seeming “death,” Joe will re-emerge as his former self—Ninja Kamui—to avenge his family and friends.
“This is a story I've always wanted to tell,” said Park. “Transgression and punishment of a ninja who loses everything and goes out for revenge, and what lies at the end of his road. I am very excited about this new project and hope fans will be, too.”
Kamui is described as a 21st century ninja, a shadowy anachronism who pits his ancient skills against high-tech weaponry with brutal finesse. In the upcoming anime series, Joe must face off against trained assassins, combat cyborgs, and rival ninjas to bring down the very clan that made him.
Ninja Kamui, produced by E&H Production and Sola Entertainment (Lord of The Rings: War of The Rohirrim, Blade Runner: Black Lotus, Ultraman), features character designs by Takeshi Okazaki (Afro Samurai, Star Wars Visions, Batman: Ninja).