Full Breakdown
Rick & Morty Film Confirmed, Jacob Hair Named Director
5/20/2026, 12:46:44 AM
Film Confirmation and Directorial Appointment
Co-creator Dan Harmon and showrunner Scott Marder confirmed an animated Rick & Morty feature film is in development, to be directed by Jacob Hair, the series’ supervising director since season 4. The announcement coincides with the upcoming ninth season, set to debut on Adult Swim on May 24, 2026, with streaming on June 15, 2026.
Series Renewal and Franchise Context
Adult Swim has renewed Rick & Morty through season 12, extending the series beyond its 2013 debut. The franchise includes an anime, the Vindicators 2 comic, short films, video games, and a spinoff starring Keith David as President Curtis. The film adds another medium to the multiverse.
Key Personnel and Production Partners
- Dan Harmon – co-creator, executive producer
- Scott Marder – showrunner, executive producer
- Jacob Hair – supervising director, film director
- Adult Swim – broadcaster
- Warner Bros. Discovery – studio partner
- Paramount Skydance – merger partner
Production Details and Distribution Uncertainty
Sources note that the movie will retain the series’ animation style rather than shift to live-action. However, it remains unclear whether the film will receive a theatrical release comparable to *The Simpsons Movie* or be distributed exclusively on Adult Swim or HBO Max. The pending Paramount Skydance–Warner Bros. Discovery merger introduces additional uncertainty about the final distribution plan.
Official Statements & Responses
Harmon described Hair as “an absolute rock star” whose involvement “adds a pillar” to the production. Marder linked Hair’s supervising-director role to the anticipated quality of season 9, stating that the season’s success is “his hand” and that he is “responsible for that.” Both executives expressed optimism that the film will move forward despite corporate changes.
Criticism and Alternative Perspectives
According to Marder, some Warner Bros. Discovery executives had suggested alternative directors such as Taika Waititi or Steven Spielberg. The creators’ preference for an internal veteran reflects a divergence of opinion on the film’s leadership.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We saw the same leak, and we are therefore, now able to confirm that there is a movie in the works. Jacob Hair is, is the director. I mean, we didn't shop around. He is an absolute, to say rock star is honestly feels like trivializing it because that implies like some kind of flash in the pan, kind of exciting. I mean, Jacob has it like came onto our team. It was like adding a pillar to it,” — Dan Harmon, Co-creator
- “He's our supervising director. I mean, if [Season] 9 feels good to you, he's got a hand. He is responsible for that.” — Scott Marder, Showrunner
- “It's like the director version of Donald Glover in that I don't know if there's a limitation to what he can do; we haven't found it yet.” — Dan Harmon, Co-creator
- “Jerry and Rick tug Morty in 2 directions in Rick and Morty Image courtesy of Everett Collections Nevertheless, at least viewers of Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith’s adventures know that the movie is something that’s actually being worked on.” — Dan Harmon, Co-creator
Implications for the Franchise
The film extends Rick & Morty’s cross-media strategy and reinforces Adult Swim’s role as a key platform for the series. The unresolved distribution model may affect how audiences can view the film, especially amid the Paramount Skydance–Warner Bros. Discovery merger.
Upcoming Milestones
Season 9 premieres on Adult Swim on May 24, 2026, with streaming on June 15, 2026. The President Curtis spinoff is slated for release later in 2026. No official release date or platform for the film has been announced, but development is confirmed to be ongoing.
