Ever since the adult animated science fiction sitcom first aired on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim programming block in 2013,Rick and Mortyhas been a hit with viewers. Winning a swathe of awards and earning Cartoon Network some of its highest ratings in years, the hilarious misadventures of cynical mad scientist Rick Sanchez and his gormless grandson Morty Smith has gained a fan following unlike any other.
Whether demanding McDonald’s gives them a special supply of Szechuan sauce, or shouting “I’m Pickle Rick!” at some inopportune moments, fans ofRick and Mortyhave been vocal and influential. But there’s been one fan who is probably more influential than any other: Marvel Studios head honcho, Kevin Feige.
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Indeed, although Feige hasn’t publicly spoken about his affinity forRick and Morty, the proof is in his actions: multiple creative talents associated with the show are now involved in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). From the outside looking in, it would appear that Feige’s appreciation for this referential carton series has incited him to get some of their best talents aboard.
Take Jessica Gao, for instance, the showrunner forthe upcoming MCU mini-series,She-Hulk. Despite having a varied career in TV writing, with stints at shows likeRobot Chicken,The High Fructose Adventures of the Annoying Orange, andSilicon Valley, Gao first rose to prominence by writing theRick and Mortyepisode, ‘Pickle Rick.’ A beloved episode among fans, in ‘Pickle Rick’Rick turns himself into a pickle in an attempt to avoid therapywith his family, eventually equipping his pickle form with an Iron Man-like suit of armor, made from objects found in a sewer.
Clearly, Feige was a fan of this referential nod to MCU’s 2008 film, as he offered Gao a key writing position within the MCU. WithShe-Hulkbeing released in 2022 and starring Tatiana Maslany, many industry insiders are predicting that the character may be a key part of the MCU moving forward, meaning Gao’s role as writer is critical; Kevin Feige obviously has faith in her, following ‘Pickle Rick.’
Additionally, Jeff Loveness has enjoyed a similar trajectory to Gao. Beginning his careeras a staff writer forJimmy Kimmel Live, Loveness joinedRick and Mortyfor their fourth season, writing and producing critically acclaimed episodes like ‘Never Ricking Morty’ (a postmodern breakdown of the TV show’s story structure) and ‘The Vat of Acid Episode’ (where Rick forces Morty to accept a vat of fake acid is a ‘good’ idea). However, following their broadcast,Loveness was snapped up by Marvel Studios, brought in to writeAnt-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, which is set to introduce uber-popular character Kang, portrayed by Jonathan Majors. Another key title for the MCU, it would seem Feige trustsRick and Mortywriters to handle important projects.
Alternatively, there is also Michael Waldron. A long-time collaborator ofRick and Mortyco-creator Dan Harmon, Waldron previously worked as a writing assistant and writer onCommunityandHarmonQuestbefore joiningRick and Mortyfor its fourth season. Writing the episode ‘The Old Man and the Seat’, where Rick engages in a feud over a private toilet, Waldron has since been brought in to work on three key projects with Feige.
First, he’s the showrunner and executive producer on the upcomingLokimini-series, which explores the God of Mischief’s misadventures followingAvengers: Endgame. Secondly, he’s also writing the script for 2022’sDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.Many industry insiders have pointed to this title as being a lynchpin in the future of the MCU,culminating in the multiverse story arcs featured inWandavision,Loki,and the currently untitledSpider-Man: Far From Homesequel. For Waldon to write this title, it illustrates that Feige has a great deal of faith in the writer’s ability. If that wasn’t enough,Waldron has also been tapped to write Feige’s mysterious upcoming Star Wars film– it is abundantly clear that this formerRick and Mortywriter has won the affection of Marvel’s big boss.
Therefore, between Gao, Loveness, and Waldron, it would definitely appear that Kevin Feige is a fan ofRick and Morty: he’s brought in some of the TV show’s best writers to contribute to the future of the MCU, illustrating himself as a fan of the series. Moreover, this habit of co-opting talent based on their TV work isn’t a new pattern from Feige – he’s been doing it for years.
Take the Russo Brothers, for example. The directing pair has helmed some of the MCU’s most important titles, includingAvengers: Infinity WarandAvengers: Endgame, despite not having much feature-film experience before-hand. Remarkably, the duo was invited to work with Marvel following their work on theCommunity‘Paintball’ episodes (another TV show created by Dan Harmon). Feige reportedly thought the episodes showed a real grasp of both action and comedy, and gave the Russos the reins of some of the MCU’s biggest movies; fromCommunitytoRick and Morty, Feige seems to have a habit of liking a TV show and then inviting that talent to work with him. With over 70 more episodes ofRick and Mortycommissioned, he’s in luck: there will be lots more opportunities for talent to catch his eye.
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