Is Morty from Rick and Morty Partially Based on Regular Size Rudy from Bob's Burgers?

Possibly, but probably not. The character of Morty from the highly popular animated series, Rick and Morty, has a rich lineage that traces back to the original pilot and its inspiration.

The Origins of Morty

Rick and Morty began as a low-budget parody of the beloved movie series Back to the Future. The show, originally a pet project of creator and voice actor Justin Roiland, evolved into a commercially successful and legally safe television series. This origin story has led to many comparisons between Rick and Doc Brown, and Morty and Marty McFly.

Morty as Marty: A Closer Look

While it is certainly true that Morty shares many characteristics with Marty, how closely regular-sized Rudy from Bob's Burgers influenced the character is a matter of speculation. The superficial similarities, such as appearance, are more likely to be coincidental. However, it is not impossible that Roiland was influenced by various sources while crafting Morty.

Monkeying with the Pilot

One key point to consider is that the original Rick and Morty juvenile pilot also drew heavy inspiration from Back to the Future. This earlier version featured Doc and Marty-style humor and scenarios. It is plausible that at this stage, Morty might have been designed with a greater connection to Rudy-like characters, but many other inspirations were also in play.

Classic Rock and Morty Humor

A popular YouTube comment summarizes this debate well: "He had to lick balls to get his kite back instead of A: getting a new kite or B: climbing the tree. Classic Rock and Morty humor." This example showcases the unique brand of humor that distinguishes Rick and Morty from its parodic predecessors, highlighting the show's evolution and differentiation from its original inspirations.

A Web of Influences

The creation of Morty and Rick and Morty in general is a complex web of influences. Justin Roiland, known for his voice work and writing, was undoubtedly inspired by a range of sources, including the classic Back to the Future series, Bob's Burgers, and other satirical and comedic works. While the superficial similarities between Morty and Regular Size Rudy might suggest influence, it's more likely that these similarities are accidental or a result of shared comedic traditions in entertainment.

Conclusion: A Mix of Parody and Originality

In conclusion, while Bob's Burgers and its character Regular Size Rudy may have played a small part in the development of Morty, the character is undoubtedly a result of a mix of parody, originality, and a myriad of other influences. Justin Roiland's fertile imagination and the unique comedic sensibilities of Rick and Morty have created a character that stands on its own, separate from its inspirations but enriched by them.

Key Takeaways:

The original Rick and Morty pilot, inspired by Back to the Future, laid the groundwork for Morty's character. Superficial similarities between Morty and Regular Size Rudy are more likely accidental than intentional. Justin Roiland's unique comedic vision has shaped Morty into a character that stands independently of its inspirations.

Whether you believe Morty was directly influenced by Regular Size Rudy or see the character as a result of broader comedic traditions, the journey of Morty is a fascinating tale of evolution and creativity in the world of television animation.