Dan Stevens Replaces Justin Roiland As Korvo In Hulu's 'Solar Opposites'

Hulu and 20th Television Animation have reportedly found a replacement for Justin Roiland on "Solar Opposites" in the lead role of Korvo for the hit animated series. Per The Hollywood Reporter, "Beauty and the Beast" star Dan Stevens ("Legion," "Downton Abbey") will take over the lead role of Korvo for the series for its upcoming fourth season, replacing Roiland.

"Solar Opposites" is currently slated for an August return to the streamer for its fourth season.

As noted by The Blast, Roiland, best known as the co-creator of Adult Swim's "Rick & Morty," found himself embroiled in controversy earlier this year. An NBC News report revealed that Roiland was arrested in August 2020 on charges of one felony count of domestic battery with corporal injury and one felony count of false imprisonment by menace, violence, fraud, and/or receipt by the Orange County District Attorney's Office. Roiland was later released on a $50,000 bond.

Roiland pled not guilty to the charges. As reported by TMZ, the case against Roiland was dropped earlier in March by the DA'soffice due to insufficient evidence to prove Roiland's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

After the story of Roiland's arrest surfaced, there were additional allegations of misconduct from his past that surfaced. THR also reported in February that in 2020, Cartoon Network conducted a formal investigation examining Roiland's alleged inappropriate workplace conduct. It's unknown what actions were taken. THR notes that there was at least one instance of alleged sexual harassment that took place during the production of "Rick & Morty's" third season, along with its first, with the staff's female writers.

THR also reported that Roiland hasn't had a meaningful presence on any of the shows where he's listed as creator and executive producer in quite some time, other than his voice-over work. In "Rick & Morty," Roiland previously voiced the show's titular characters, Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith, throughout the show's first six seasons. As noted, he also voiced the lead character Korvo in "Solar Opposites."

In the Hulu animated series, "Koala Man," Roiland is both an executive producer and voice actor on the show. His character in "Koala Man" is Chad Wagon, a riff of Vin Diesel, and his character Dominic Toretto from the "Fast & Furious" film franchise.

After the news of his domestic assault arrest and other allegations of misconduct surfaced, Adult Swim and Hulu ultimately parted ways with Roiland, with Hulu planning to continue "Solar Opposites," which Roiland is listed as a co-creator of along with Mike McMahan. Additionally, THR reports that Hulu has not yet decided on the future of "Koala Man" after the show debuted its first season earlier this year.

On Adult Swim's end, the talent and crew were still said to be hard at work on Season 7 when the announcement was made that the network was parting ways with Roiland. It's unknown who will be replacing Roiland in the roles of Rick and Morty.

McMahan also executive produces "Solar Opposites" with Josh Bycel. Stevens previously did voice-over work for the Apple adult animated comedy, "Central Park," which was also produced by 20th Television Animation. His other voice-over work includes Prince Charles in Max's "The Prince" and Netflix's "Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts."

"Solar Opposites" Season 4 is slated for an August 14 debut on Hulu. All 11 episodes of the new season are expected to be available at launch. THR also notes that a Valentine's Day special for the show is in the works for February 2024. The show has already been renewed for a fifth season.