※WARNING: Spoilers ahead for "Rick and Morty" Season 8. Proceed with caution.※
※WARNING: Spoilers ahead for "Rick and Morty" Season 8. Proceed with caution.※
※WARNING: Spoilers ahead for "Rick and Morty" Season 8. Proceed with caution.※
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"Rick and Morty" Season 8, Episode 7, titled "Ricker Than Fiction," delivered a surprise by featuring DC Studios CEO James Gunn and director Zack Snyder, who both lent their voices to exaggerated versions of themselves. The episode not only played heavily on "Superman" tropes but also mercilessly satirized Hollywood's IP formulas and creative chaos, much to the delight of fans.
The episode centered on the fictional film series "Maximum Velocitree," a clear jab at blockbuster franchises like "Transformers" and "Fast & Furious." Displeased with the direction of the latest installment, Rick and Morty storm the Warner Bros. lot to confront Gunn. They even use a "Movie-lizer" device to rewrite the script themselves, entering the film as villainous characters.
Ultimately, they not only crafted a more moving ending but also brought Gunn to tears, eliciting the classic line, "They out-Gunn-ed Gunn!"
Beyond the James Gunn parody, director Zack Snyder also appeared in the episode, transforming into a muscular figure who sparred with Gunn in a restaurant. Snyder mocked Gunn's new "Superman" film for having too much dialogue and not enough action. He also referenced Rick once trapping Christopher Nolan in the "Interstellar" bookshelf as punishment, with the entire exchange serving as a precise summary of each director's distinct style.
Executive producer Scott Marder revealed that both directors were completely on board, not only recording their lines in person but also fully embracing the self-deprecating humor of the script. "They said it's a show they watch in their spare time, and they were super excited to be in it. They laughed at all the jabs," Marder stated.
Gunn even made time to record his lines the day after principal photography wrapped on "Superman," showcasing remarkable efficiency. The production team disclosed that he immediately informed Warner Bros. executives for content approval that same day, swiftly greenlighting the entire collaboration.
This episode goes beyond simple parody, delving deeper into fan criticism of long-running franchises and reboots, humorously pointing out that "it's easy to criticize a plot from the couch; true creation is the hard part."
Although Gunn's character was seemingly killed off by a gun named "Sundae" in the episode, his entry into the "Rick and Morty" universe leaves the door open for a potential return. Snyder, meanwhile, explicitly expressed his desire to appear again, demonstrating his enthusiasm and commitment to the show.
via： Variety