Comic-Con Extravaganza: ‘Rick and Morty,’ ‘Phineas and Ferb,’ Join Variety’s Star-Studded Event!

Numerous top celebrities from San Diego Comic Con made appearances at the Comic Con The Bangin Beats Studio, sponsored by Google TV.

“Rick and Morty”

With the Season 8 finale of “Rick and Morty” approaching this Sunday, the actors discussed their most impactful scenes from the show. 

Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden reminisced about the “fear hole” scenario from the finale of Season 7, with Sarah Chalke highlighting a scene from the upcoming Season 8 finale. As the latest voices for the characters Rick and Morty, Cardoni and Belden spoke about their experience revisiting these roles in the new season.

“Season 7 was a rush; we had to wrap it up in two months,” Cardoni explained. “For Season 8, we took our time throughout the year to delve deeper into these characters and really make the roles our own. We’ve been fortunate to have such rich stories to engage with.”

Chalke and Spencer Grammer discussed the nuances of playing a mother-daughter relationship in the series. Grammer drew from her personal experiences, finding it thrilling to explore these familial dynamics. “It’s been a long-time role for me, and it was intriguing to interact with my character as an adult and engage with her mother in the series,” Grammer said.

Chalke shared, “My favorite aspect was portraying Beth’s nervousness and intimidation around the adult version of Summer. It felt like, ‘Wow, she’s so impressive, I wish she could be my friend.’”

When the topic of introducing various versions of Jerry came up, Chris Parnell expressed his interest in seeing Jerry as a “pirate or a maritime explorer.” With the recent announcement of a spinoff featuring Keith David’s character President Curtis, David hinted that the new show would dive into his character’s adventurous escapades.

“It’s fascinating to watch him navigate challenges and devise solutions that lead him deeper into and then back out of trouble,” David commented, adding that the dynamic with the White House staff adds an exciting layer to the narrative.

David also teased potential involvement in the much-anticipated “Community” movie, alongside fellow “Community” alumnus Jim Rash. “The excitement around the movie has been building for so long. I’m hopeful it will come to fruition,” he said.

Chalke mentioned her hopes for a “flash mob” scene in an upcoming “Scrubs” reboot and discussed celebrity cameos in “Rick and Morty” Season 8, including James Gunn and Zack Snyder. The cast also shared their dream cameo wishlist, featuring Ian McKellan, Kate Winslet, and Cate Blanchett.

“Phineas and Ferb”

Creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff Marsh shared an amusing story about the spontaneous creation of the song “Summer Belongs to You” during a lively singalong in the writer’s room. “We were just throwing ideas around when I came up with the line, ‘Yes, it’s true / Summer belongs to you,’” Povenmire recounted. “Suddenly, everyone joined in, adding lines and melodies until we had a full chorus. It was a moment of pure joy and creativity that none of us saw coming.”

Alyson Stoner expressed her admiration for the fans’ cosplay efforts, highlighting costumes of Love Händel and Bobbi Fabulous as her favorites. Povenmire and Marsh, both with theater backgrounds, emphasized that interacting with fans and seeing their reactions was the highlight of attending Comic Con.

“There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing the direct impact our work has on fans,” Povenmire added. Marsh echoed this sentiment, noting, “It’s touching when fans share personal stories about how the show has connected with them and their families.”

Women of Wrestling

Twin wrestlers Laurie and Lindsey Carlson, heading into their fourth season with “WOW,” reflected on their progression within the sport and the organization. “We were discovered during a tryout in Miami a few years back,” Lindsey shared. “Having wrestled on the independent circuit for seven years, training under Afa Anoa’i, joining ‘WOW’ has significantly helped us develop our skills in the ring. With each season, we aim to top the tag team charts.”

Laurie continued, “It’s been incredible to witness our growth from the first season to now. We’re truly grateful for the journey.”

Santana Garrett expressed her enthusiasm for being part of a movement that elevates women’s sports, particularly wrestling. “Seeing is believing,” she stated. “‘WOW’ is wonderfully diverse, showcasing women of different shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. It’s inspiring for viewers at home who see these athletes and think, ‘If they can do it, so can I.’”

Jeanie Buss discussed the upcoming season of “WOW,” set in Las Vegas, and its importance for fan engagement. “Having a residency in Las Vegas allows our fans to experience the excitement up close and personal, which is fantastic for building a deeper connection,” she said.

“Paradise”

Sterling K. Brown celebrated the critical acclaim of “Paradise” Season 1 and shared his anticipation for the upcoming season. “The first season’s reception was phenomenal, and I’m thrilled about the new developments for my character in Season 2,” Brown stated. He praised his co-stars James Marsden and Julianne Nicholson, both of whom received Emmy nominations, emphasizing the joy of shared success.

Looking forward, Brown teased potential plot twists and the introduction of Shailene Woodley in Season 2. “Shailene’s performance is exceptional, and I’m confident her character will leave a memorable impact,” he added.

“Ghosts”

The cast of “Ghosts,” including Utkarsh Ambudkar, Danielle Pinnock, Asher Grodman, and Devan Chandler Long, is gearing up for the upcoming season, which begins filming soon. “In between the hectic schedule, I’ve been juggling script rehearsals and catching up on ‘Love Island,’” Pinnock joked. The show, which has been a hit, is set to premiere its fifth season this fall and has been renewed for a sixth. “We’re committed to enhancing what we have, knowing well not to take our success for granted,” Long remarked.

“Love on the Spectrum”

Dani Bowman made a vibrant appearance at Comic-Con, inspired by her fellow cast members’ love for “Teletubbies.” “Choosing to dress as Po was a nod to my co-stars Abby and David, who are big fans,” she explained. Bowman, who has been a regular at Comic-Con since 2011, shared her passion for animation and offered dating advice to her fans. “The key to finding love is not just to search for the right person, but to be the right person,” she advised.

Bowman also highlighted her involvement in supporting upcoming animators, with two of her students showcasing their work at the San Diego International Children’s Film Festival. “Animation has always been a significant part of my life. I cherish the diversity in styles from different cultures and am excited about the future of ‘Love on the Spectrum,’” she concluded.

Google TV proudly sponsors the Comic-Con The Bangin Beats Studio.