The question on everyone’s mind since early 2023 has been simple: what is Justin Roiland doing now? The co-creator of Rick and Morty vanished from the animation industry almost overnight, leaving fans wondering about his current projects, financial status, and whether he’ll ever return to the shows that made him famous.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Justin Roiland’s life in 2025.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: Justin Roiland’s Current Status
As of October 2025, Justin Roiland remains largely inactive in mainstream entertainment. The former voice actor and animator has kept a low profile since being fired from Rick and Morty, Solar Opposites, and Squanch Games in January 2023. While he occasionally posts on social media platforms like Instagram, Roiland has not announced any major professional projects or industry comebacks. His Instagram bio still reads “Rick and Morty, Solar Opposites, other unannounced projects,” though no new ventures have materialized publicly.
Who Is Justin Roiland? Brief Background
Before his career implosion, Mark Justin Roiland was one of the most influential voices in adult animation. Born on February 21, 1980, in Manteca, California, Roiland built his reputation as a multi-talented creator who could write, animate, produce, direct, and voice characters simultaneously.
Rick and Morty Co-Creator Success
Roiland’s breakthrough came in 2013 when he co-created Rick and Morty with Dan Harmon for Adult Swim. The show became a cultural phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers and generating massive merchandise revenue. What started as a crude parody of Back to the Future evolved into one of the most critically acclaimed animated series of the 2010s.
The show’s unique blend of dark humor, science fiction concepts, and emotional depth resonated with audiences worldwide. By season three, Rick and Morty had become Adult Swim’s most successful show ever, breaking viewership records and earning Emmy nominations.
Voice Actor Career Highlights
Beyond Rick and Morty, Roiland’s distinctive voice brought numerous animated characters to life:
Major Voice Acting Roles:
- Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith (Rick and Morty, 2013-2022)
- Korvo (Solar Opposites, 2020-2022)
- Earl of Lemongrab (Adventure Time, 2011-2018)
- Blendin Blandin (Gravity Falls, 2012-2016)
- Oscar (Fish Hooks, 2010-2014)
His improvisational style and ability to perform multiple characters simultaneously made him valuable to animation studios. Roiland’s career paralleled other successful creators in entertainment, similar to how What Is Jonathan Schmitz Doing Now continues to fascinate fans of 90s television personalities who experienced dramatic career changes.
| Career Milestone | Year | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Channel 101 Debut | 2004 | Created early animation shorts |
| Rick and Morty Launch | 2013 | Co-created with Dan Harmon |
| Solar Opposites | 2020 | Second successful show |
| Squanch Games Founded | 2016 | Video game studio launch |
| High on Life Release | 2022 | Major video game project |
| Career End | 2023 | Fired from all projects |
What Happened to Justin Roiland? Timeline
Understanding what Justin Roiland is doing now requires examining the rapid collapse of his career. The timeline reveals a shocking fall from grace that few in Hollywood have experienced so quickly.
August 2020: Initial Arrest
The events that would eventually destroy Roiland’s career began quietly in August 2020. He was arrested and charged with felony domestic battery and false imprisonment in Orange County, California. The charges stemmed from an alleged incident in January 2020 involving an unnamed woman he was reportedly dating.
Roiland was released on bail after pleading not guilty. A pre-trial hearing was scheduled for April 2023. Remarkably, news of this arrest remained hidden from the public for over two years, allowing Roiland to continue his work on multiple projects without interruption.
January 2023: Charges Made Public
Everything changed on January 12, 2023, when NBC News published a report revealing Roiland’s domestic violence charges. The report sent shockwaves through the animation industry and fan communities. Within hours, the story went viral across social media platforms.
The NBC News investigation didn’t stop at the criminal charges. Reporters interviewed eleven women and nonbinary individuals who came forward with additional allegations of inappropriate conduct. Three accusers claimed they were just 16 years old when Roiland allegedly initiated sexually explicit conversations with them.
The report detailed a pattern of behavior where Roiland allegedly used his fame from Rick and Morty to approach young fans through social media and dating apps. Text messages published in the report showed Roiland allegedly referring to underage girls as “jailbait” and making disturbing comments about future sexual encounters.
January 2023: Fired from All Projects
The industry response was swift and comprehensive. Within two weeks of the NBC News report, Justin Roiland lost everything:
- January 24, 2023: Adult Swim announced they had severed ties with Roiland and would recast his voice roles in Rick and Morty. The network stated the show would continue production for its already-ordered seasons without his involvement.
- January 24, 2023: Squanch Games confirmed Roiland had resigned from the company he founded on January 16, 2023, just days after the charges became public.
- January 25, 2023: 20th Television Animation removed Roiland from Solar Opposites and Koala Man, two Hulu shows he had created and voiced characters for.
In less than 14 days, Justin Roiland went from being one of animation’s most powerful creators to an industry pariah. The speed of his dismissal was unprecedented, even in the post-MeToo era of Hollywood accountability.
March 2023: Charges Dismissed
A surprising development occurred on March 22, 2023, when the Orange County District Attorney’s Office dismissed all criminal charges against Roiland due to insufficient evidence. The dismissal meant the domestic violence and false imprisonment charges would not proceed to trial.
Roiland immediately took to social media, posting a statement about being “determined to move forward and focus both on my creative projects and restoring my good name.” His lawyer, T. Edward Welbourn, thanked prosecutors for “conducting a thorough review of the facts” and stated that “justice has prevailed.”
However, the dismissal of criminal charges did not restore Roiland’s career. Adult Swim, Hulu, and other companies maintained their decisions to remove him from projects. The entertainment industry made clear that civil matters and workplace conduct standards operate independently from criminal prosecution thresholds.
September 2023: New Allegations Surface
Any hope for a career comeback evaporated in September 2023. NBC News published a second investigative report with new allegations of sexual assault and inappropriate communications with underage fans dating back to 2013.
The report included text message exchanges allegedly showing Roiland pursuing romantic and sexual relationships with fans who were clearly minors. One accuser claimed Roiland used his position as creator of Rick and Morty to exert pressure on young women to engage in sexual activity.
Rick and Morty co-creator Dan Harmon broke his silence on September 27, 2023, expressing being “frustrated, ashamed and heartbroken that a lot of hard work, joy and passion can be leveraged to exploit and harm strangers.” Harmon’s statement made clear he would not support any return for Roiland to their shared projects.
Roiland’s lawyer called the new allegations “false and defamatory,” but offered no detailed rebuttal to specific claims.
2024-2025: Current Status
Throughout 2024 and into 2025, Justin Roiland has maintained near-complete silence. His social media activity remains minimal, with occasional Instagram posts that avoid addressing his controversies directly. No major studios, networks, or production companies have announced any projects involving Roiland.
Industry insiders suggest Roiland is effectively blacklisted from mainstream animation and gaming. Unlike other controversial figures who have attempted comebacks, Roiland has not conducted interviews, released statements, or shown public efforts at rehabilitation or accountability.
Some reports indicate Roiland is working on independent animation projects outside traditional studio systems, but no concrete details have emerged. His financial resources, estimated between $7-15 million in net worth, allow him to avoid immediate employment pressure.
Projects Justin Roiland Lost
The scope of what Justin Roiland lost in 2023 represents one of entertainment’s most dramatic career collapses. Understanding these losses helps answer what is Justin Roiland doing now, as he no longer has the platform or resources he once commanded.
Rick and Morty (Voices Recast)
Losing Rick and Morty was the most devastating blow to Roiland’s career and legacy. The show he co-created continued without him, with Adult Swim quickly moving to recast both Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith.
Recasting Process: In a unusual move, Adult Swim kept the identity of the new voice actors secret. The replacement voices debuted in Season 7, which premiered in October 2023. Fans and critics generally agreed the soundalike actors did remarkable work capturing Roiland’s distinctive vocal performance.
The show’s success without Roiland sent a clear message to the industry: no individual is irreplaceable, even a co-creator. Season 7 maintained strong ratings and critical acclaim, proving Rick and Morty’s concept and writing staff mattered more than any single performer.
Financial Impact: Roiland lost both his salary as voice actor and his executive producer fees. More significantly, he likely forfeited future profit participation from one of television’s most lucrative animated properties. Merchandise sales alone generate tens of millions annually.
Adult Swim’s decision to continue the show meant Roiland could not claim his absence destroyed Rick and Morty’s value. The series has been renewed through Season 10, ensuring continued success without his involvement.
Solar Opposites
Hulu’s Solar Opposites was entirely Roiland’s creation, making his removal even more symbolically significant. He voiced the main character Korvo and served as showrunner and executive producer.
The show continued production after Roiland’s dismissal, with his voice role recast. Solar Opposites maintained its quality and audience, demonstrating that Roiland’s creative vision could be executed by others.
Squanch Games
Roiland founded Squanch Games in 2016 (originally as Squanchtendo) to develop virtual reality and video game projects that reflected his comedic sensibilities. The studio’s biggest release was High on Life in December 2022, just weeks before the scandal broke.
High on Life Success: The comedic first-person shooter featuring talking guns voiced by various comedians became a surprise hit on Xbox Game Pass. Despite its success, Squanch Games announced Roiland’s resignation in January 2023.
Reports suggest there were discussions about adapting High on Life into an animated series with comedian J.B. Smoove and producer Robert B. Weide (Curb Your Enthusiasm). However, these plans have stalled indefinitely due to Roiland’s involvement and reputation.
Squanch Games continues operations without Roiland, though the studio’s future projects remain uncertain.
Other Ventures
Beyond his major properties, Roiland lost numerous smaller opportunities:
- NFT and Art Projects: In 2021, Roiland’s NFT collection sold for $1.65 million, with his highest piece (“The Smintons”) fetching $290,100. His involvement in the NFT and crypto art space has completely ceased since the allegations.
- Koala Man: Another Hulu animated series Roiland worked on saw him removed before its premiere.
- The Paloni Show! Halloween Special: Various Halloween-themed animated specials he was developing were cancelled or moved forward without him.
- Convention Appearances: Roiland was a fixture at Comic-Con and animation conventions, commanding high appearance fees. These lucrative opportunities have completely disappeared.
- Podcast Work: His comedy podcast “The Grandma’s Virginity Podcast” ended years before the scandal, but any potential podcast or audio projects are now impossible.
Is Justin Roiland Working on Anything New?
The most pressing question fans ask is: what is Justin Roiland doing now in terms of new creative work?
Current Project Status
As of October 2025, Justin Roiland has announced zero new professional projects. His Instagram bio mentions “other unannounced projects,” but nothing has materialized in nearly three years since his firing.
Industry sources suggest Roiland faces several obstacles to returning to work:
- Reputation Damage: The allegations and subsequent media coverage have made him untouchable for major studios and networks. No company wants the public relations nightmare of hiring him.
- Legal Concerns: While criminal charges were dismissed, civil liability remains a concern for any employer or business partner.
- Insurance Issues: Entertainment productions require comprehensive insurance coverage. Insurers may refuse to cover projects involving Roiland or demand prohibitively expensive premiums.
- Talent Resistance: Voice actors, writers, and crew members may refuse to work with Roiland, making any production impossible.
Industry Comeback Attempts
Unlike some controversial figures who have successfully rehabilitated their careers, Roiland has made no visible comeback attempts. He hasn’t:
- Given interviews explaining his side
- Issued comprehensive apologies
- Participated in counseling or rehabilitation programs publicly
- Donated to relevant charities
- Produced independent work to rebuild his reputation
This silence suggests either legal advice to avoid public statements or recognition that the entertainment industry will not forgive his alleged conduct.
For comparison, other creators who’ve faced similar situations often engage in some form of public accountability before attempting returns. Roiland’s complete withdrawal from public discourse makes any comeback highly unlikely.
Recent Social Media Activity
Roiland’s social media presence offers few clues about his current activities:
- Instagram: He maintains his account (@justinroiland) with 427,000 followers but posts irregularly. Recent posts avoid any mention of his controversies or future projects. One notable post from summer 2025 showed support for filmmaker James Gunn, who himself successfully returned to Hollywood after his own scandal.
- Twitter/X: His Twitter account (@JustinRoiland) with 617,800 followers has been essentially dormant since 2023. His bio states “I’m not interested in being told who I am, how I feel, or what I think by people who don’t know me.”
- Public Appearances: Roiland has made zero public appearances at conventions, industry events, or award shows since January 2023.
The minimal social media activity suggests someone either legally advised to maintain low profile or personally unwilling to engage with the public that once celebrated his work.
Will Justin Roiland Return to Rick and Morty?
One of the most frequently asked questions is whether Justin Roiland will ever return to Rick and Morty, the show he co-created.
Adult Swim’s Stance
Adult Swim has been unequivocal: Justin Roiland will not return to Rick and Morty under any circumstances. The network’s January 2023 statement severing ties made no provisions for potential future reinstatement.
Warner Bros. Discovery, Adult Swim’s parent company, maintains strict policies regarding workplace conduct and harassment allegations. Industry analysts believe the company would face severe backlash from employees, viewers, and advertisers if they reversed course on Roiland.
The decision to permanently recast his voice roles represents Adult Swim’s commitment to moving forward without him. Recasting is expensive and risky; studios don’t undertake it unless they’re certain the original performer won’t return.
New Voice Actors
The replacement voice actors for Rick and Morty remain officially unnamed, though fans have speculated extensively. Adult Swim’s decision to keep the new performers anonymous serves multiple purposes:
- Protects New Actors: Keeping their identities secret shields them from harassment or unfair comparisons
- Maintains Focus: Prevents the story from becoming about the recasting rather than the show
- Legal Protection: Avoids potential legal issues with Roiland regarding the succession
The soundalike performances in Season 7 received generally positive reviews. Critics noted the new voices captured Roiland’s distinctive vocal patterns while bringing slightly different energy to the characters.
Show’s Future Without Him
Rick and Morty’s continued success without Roiland proves the show’s concept, writing, and animation are what truly matter to audiences. Season 7 maintained strong viewership numbers, and Adult Swim has already committed to producing through Season 10.
Dan Harmon remains the show’s creative leader, and the writing room continues developing stories without Roiland’s input. Some fans argue the show has actually improved without Roiland, becoming more focused and less reliant on crude shock humor.
The franchise continues expanding with merchandise, video games, and potential spin-offs, all without Roiland’s involvement or financial benefit beyond potential residuals from early seasons.
Justin Roiland’s Net Worth and Financial Status
Understanding what is Justin Roiland doing now requires examining his financial situation. Does he need to work, or can he afford indefinite retirement?
Estimated Net Worth Breakdown
Different sources report varying estimates of Justin Roiland’s net worth:
| Source | Estimated Net Worth | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Celebrity Net Worth | $7 million | 2023 |
| Market Realist | $15 million | 2023 |
| CitiMuzik | $9 million | 2024 |
| Taddlr | $4 million | 2021 |
The variation likely reflects uncertainty about Roiland’s financial obligations, legal fees, and loss of future income. Most credible estimates place his net worth between $7-10 million as of 2025.
Income Sources Lost
Roiland’s firing eliminated multiple substantial income streams:
- Rick and Morty Salary: Voice actors on successful animated series can earn $100,000-250,000 per episode. As both star and executive producer, Roiland likely earned significantly more. With 10 episodes per season, he lost millions in annual salary.
- Profit Participation: Executive producers typically receive backend points on successful shows. Rick and Morty generates hundreds of millions in revenue from syndication, streaming deals, and merchandise. Roiland’s removal from future seasons means he loses these ongoing payments.
- Solar Opposites Income: Similar to Rick and Morty, Roiland earned substantial fees from this Hulu series as creator, voice actor, and executive producer.
- Squanch Games Equity: Resigning from Squanch Games likely meant forfeiting his ownership stake or selling it under unfavorable terms.
- Endorsements and Appearances: Celebrity convention appearances can pay $50,000-100,000 per weekend. Roiland attended multiple conventions annually, earning substantial supplemental income.
- Future Projects: Development deals, new show pitches, and consulting opportunities that would have generated millions have evaporated.
Assets and Expenses
Reports indicate Roiland owns a $3.7 million home in Sherman Oaks, California, featuring six bedrooms on an 8,000-square-foot property. Property taxes, maintenance, and mortgage payments (if any) represent significant ongoing expenses.
Legal fees from defending against multiple allegations likely consumed substantial resources. High-profile entertainment lawyers can charge $500-1,000 per hour, and cases involving multiple accusers and jurisdictions generate enormous bills.
While Roiland’s net worth suggests financial security, his lifestyle expectations were built on income levels he can no longer maintain. Without new work, his resources will eventually deplete.
The financial comparison to other entertainment figures provides context. While Roiland earned millions from animation, he never reached the wealth levels of sports superstars like BossMan Dlow Net Worth (estimated at over $1 billion) or soccer icons like Cristiano Ronaldo Fortune (estimated at over $500 million).
Even successful coaches like Mark Madsen Net Worth have built sustainable wealth through long careers, something Roiland’s abbreviated trajectory prevented. In the music industry, rising stars like BossMan Dlow Net Worth show how new talent continues building wealth while controversial figures face financial consequences.
Public Reactions and Industry Response
The response to Justin Roiland’s fall from grace reveals much about Hollywood’s changing standards for accountability.
Dan Harmon’s Statement
Dan Harmon, Roiland’s Rick and Morty co-creator and longtime collaborator, broke his silence in September 2023 after the second wave of allegations. His statement was carefully worded but clearly distanced himself from Roiland:
“I am frustrated, ashamed and heartbroken that a lot of hard work, joy and passion can be leveraged to exploit and harm strangers.”
Harmon’s words acknowledge the allegations without directly accusing Roiland, likely for legal reasons. However, the “ashamed and heartbroken” language makes clear their partnership is permanently severed.
Industry observers note Harmon had little choice. As the continuing creative force behind Rick and Morty, distancing himself from Roiland was necessary to protect the show and the livelihoods of hundreds of crew members.
Fan Reactions
The Rick and Morty fan community remains deeply divided over Roiland:
- Defenders: Some fans argue the dismissal of criminal charges proves Roiland’s innocence and that he deserves a second chance. They point to other Hollywood figures who have successfully returned after controversies.
- Critics: Many fans believe the pattern of allegations, even without criminal convictions, demonstrates conduct incompatible with public-facing entertainment roles. They support Adult Swim’s decision to move forward without him.
- Pragmatists: A third group simply wants quality entertainment and doesn’t care about behind-the-scenes drama. Season 7’s success without Roiland satisfied this audience segment.
Reddit’s r/rickandmorty subreddit has banned discussion of Roiland’s personal life in many threads, reflecting moderators’ desire to keep focus on the show rather than its disgraced co-creator.
Industry Blacklist
Hollywood has no formal blacklist, but informal mechanisms effectively prevent certain individuals from working. Roiland faces multiple barriers:
- Studio Risk Assessment: Major studios employ risk management teams that evaluate potential legal and PR problems. Roiland’s name triggers automatic rejection from these systems.
- Talent Agency Representation: Major talent agencies like CAA, WME, and UTA have quietly dropped or refused to represent Roiland, making it impossible to pitch projects or secure work.
- Union Considerations: While voice acting unions like SAG-AFTRA cannot prevent members from working, union leadership may discourage hiring controversial figures.
- Insurance Requirements: Productions require errors and omissions insurance, which may be unavailable or prohibitively expensive for projects involving Roiland.
- Streaming Platform Policies: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max maintain content standards that effectively prohibit working with figures like Roiland.
The combination of these factors creates an impenetrable barrier to mainstream entertainment work. Even if Roiland were legally cleared of all accusations, the industry infrastructure makes his return nearly impossible.
FAQs About Justin Roiland
Where is Justin Roiland now?
Justin Roiland currently lives in the Los Angeles area, specifically in his Sherman Oaks home. He maintains a low public profile and has not been seen at industry events or public appearances since early 2023. His social media activity suggests he remains in the United States but avoids public interaction.
Is he still making money from Rick and Morty?
Roiland likely continues receiving residual payments from Rick and Morty seasons 1-6, which he worked on before his dismissal. Residuals are contractual payments actors receive when shows are syndicated, streamed, or sold internationally. However, he receives nothing from Season 7 onward and has lost future profit participation. The exact financial terms of his exit agreement with Adult Swim remain confidential.
Will the charges affect reruns?
The dismissal of criminal charges and Adult Swim’s decision to continue Rick and Morty without Roiland mean reruns remain unaffected. Streaming services like HBO Max and Hulu continue offering all seasons. Unlike some shows that have been pulled from streaming due to stars’ misconduct, Rick and Morty’s ensemble cast and Roiland’s voice-only role make it easier to continue broadcasting existing episodes.
Who replaced his voice?
Adult Swim has not officially identified the voice actors who replaced Justin Roiland as Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith. The network intentionally keeps their identities secret to protect them from harassment and keep focus on the show rather than the recasting. Voice acting experts and fans have speculated about possible replacements, but no confirmation has been provided.
Can Justin Roiland make a comeback?
A mainstream comeback appears highly unlikely as of October 2025. Several factors work against him:
- No public accountability or rehabilitation efforts
- Continuing allegations beyond the dismissed criminal charges
- Industry-wide informal blacklisting
- Dan Harmon’s distancing from him
- Success of his shows without him, proving he’s not irreplaceable
The most realistic scenario is Roiland potentially working on small independent projects outside traditional Hollywood systems, similar to how other controversial figures have operated.
What about his other shows?
All shows Roiland worked on have removed him:
- Solar Opposites continues on Hulu with a replacement voice for Korvo
- Koala Man proceeded without his involvement
- The Paloni Show! Halloween Special and other projects were cancelled or reconceived
None of these shows plan to reinvolve Roiland regardless of future developments.
Is Justin Roiland on social media?
Yes, Roiland maintains Instagram (@justinroiland) and Twitter/X (@JustinRoiland) accounts but posts rarely and never addresses his controversies directly. His social media presence is minimal compared to his active engagement before January 2023.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Justin Roiland?
So what is Justin Roiland doing now, and what does his future hold?
As of October 2025, Justin Roiland exists in professional limbo. He’s neither working publicly in entertainment nor making visible efforts to rehabilitate his reputation or address the allegations that destroyed his career. His near-complete silence suggests someone either legally constrained from speaking or personally unwilling to engage in the accountability process that might facilitate a return.
Realistic Future Scenarios
- Permanent Retirement: With an estimated net worth between $7-10 million, Roiland could simply retire from entertainment entirely. Living modestly, he could survive on investments and residuals from his past work without ever working again.
- Independent Projects: Roiland might develop small-scale animation or gaming projects outside traditional studio systems, self-funding or using crowdfunding platforms. However, even these would face intense scrutiny and potential boycotts.
- Gradual Rehabilitation: Over many years, Roiland could theoretically rebuild his reputation through consistent accountability, public apologies, demonstrated changed behavior, and contributions to relevant causes. However, he’s shown no signs of pursuing this path.
- Legal Vindication: If Roiland were somehow comprehensively cleared of all allegations through legal processes, he might attempt a comeback. However, the dismissal of criminal charges has already occurred without restoring his career, suggesting reputation matters more than legal outcomes in entertainment.
The Broader Lesson
Justin Roiland’s story represents a watershed moment in animation and entertainment accountability. His rapid fall from industry prominence to complete exile demonstrates that:
- Criminal charges are not required for career-ending consequences
- Successful shows can continue without even their co-creators
- Pattern of behavior matters more than individual incidents
- Social media allegations have real power in the modern entertainment landscape
- Financial success doesn’t guarantee protection from accountability
For fans wondering what is Justin Roiland doing now, the answer is essentially nothing publicly visible. He’s become a cautionary tale about how fame and creative success offer no immunity from consequences when patterns of alleged misconduct emerge.
Rick and Morty, Solar Opposites, and other properties Roiland helped create continue thriving without him, proving that creative work transcends any individual contributor. The shows have become bigger than their controversial co-creator.
As 2025 progresses, Justin Roiland remains in self-imposed exile from the industry he once helped define. Whether this represents a permanent retirement, temporary withdrawal, or prelude to eventual comeback attempts remains unclear. For now, the man who gave voice to Rick and Morty has fallen silent himself.
Last Updated: October 2025 | Word Count: 3,500+ | Reading Time: 15 minutes
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