5 Shocking Facts About Zamasu's English Voice Actor And His Epic Redemption Story

Few characters in the Dragon Ball franchise have ignited as much fervent fan discussion as Zamasu, the megalomaniacal Kaioshin apprentice who sought to eradicate all mortals. As of December 2025, the English voice behind this iconic villain, known for his chilling monologues and divine arrogance, is none other than legendary screen and voice actor, James Marsters. While his villainous performance as the architect of the "Zero Mortal Plan" in the Dragon Ball Super anime and video games is celebrated today, the story of how Marsters landed the role—and why he took it—is a unique tale of Hollywood redemption that few fans truly know.

The English dub of the *Future Trunks Saga* introduced Zamasu and his fused counterpart, Fused Zamasu, to a global audience, but the identity of the voice actor was shrouded in mystery and speculation. What started as a rough start in the *Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2* video game eventually blossomed into one of the most praised voice acting performances in the Funimation dub history, all thanks to Marsters' dedication to winning back a community he felt he had let down years prior.

The Divine Profile: James Marsters' Complete Biography

Born on August 20, 1962, in Carmichael, California, James Wesley Marsters is a multi-talented American actor, musician, and writer whose career spans decades across television, film, and voice work. While he is instantly recognizable to millions from his live-action roles, his transition into the world of anime dubbing and video games has brought him a new generation of fans. His ability to convey complex, often villainous characters with a blend of charisma and menace has made him a sought-after talent. Here is a brief look at the man behind the voice of Zamasu.

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• Full Name: James Wesley Marsters
• Born: August 20, 1962 (Age 63 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Carmichael, California, USA
• Occupation: Actor, Musician, Voice Actor, Comic Book Writer, Audiobook Narrator
• Notable Live-Action Roles:
  • Spike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003) and Angel (1999–2004)
  • Brainiac in Smallville (2005–2010)
  • Captain John Hart in Torchwood (2007–2008)
  • Victor Stein / Jonah / Magistrate in Runaways (2017–2019)
  • Barnabas Greeley in Hawaii Five-0 (2010)
• Notable Voice Roles:
  • Zamasu / Future Zamasu / Fused Zamasu in Dragon Ball Super (2017) and related video games (e.g., *Dragon Ball FighterZ*)
  • Lex Luthor in the animated film Superman: Doomsday (2007)
• Music Career: Lead singer and guitarist for the rock band Ghost of the Robot.

Marsters’ career is defined by his portrayal of iconic anti-heroes and villains, roles that require a delicate balance of charm, intensity, and deep-seated complexity. This skillset proved to be the perfect foundation for voicing the self-righteous, genocidal deity Zamasu.

The Controversial Past: Demon King Piccolo in *Dragon Ball Evolution*

To understand the depth of James Marsters’ commitment to the Zamasu role, one must look back to 2009 and the release of the live-action movie, Dragon Ball Evolution. The film, which was critically panned and widely rejected by the devoted *Dragon Ball* fanbase, featured Marsters in the role of the main antagonist, Demon King Piccolo.

The reception was devastating, and Marsters, a self-proclaimed fan of the original anime and manga, felt a profound sense of responsibility for the film's failure to capture the spirit of the franchise. He recognized that his involvement had inadvertently contributed to a project that disappointed millions of fans worldwide. This disappointment fueled a personal mission: to one day redeem himself to the *Dragon Ball* community.

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When the opportunity arose years later to voice a character in the *Dragon Ball Super* anime, Marsters jumped at the chance. He saw it as his one shot to make amends and prove his respect for the source material.

The Ultimate Act of Redemption: Voicing Zamasu for Free

The most compelling and unique fact about James Marsters’ involvement is the extraordinary step he took to secure the role of Zamasu. According to multiple reports and fan discussions, Marsters was so determined to redeem himself that he initially offered to voice Zamasu—and later Future Zamasu and Fused Zamasu—entirely for free, working outside of his standard contract.

This unprecedented move was a direct attempt to show the *Dragon Ball* community that his heart was in the right place and that he wanted to contribute positively to the franchise. The production team, however, insisted on paying him, but the sentiment behind the offer speaks volumes about his desire for fan forgiveness.

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The Pseudonym and the Reveal

Initially, Marsters and the dubbing team chose to keep his identity a secret. In the credits for the Dragon Ball FighterZ video game, the character was sometimes listed under the pseudonym "Sam Majesters," or occasionally "David Gray" in early fan speculation, a deliberate move to prevent an immediate backlash from fans who might still harbor resentment over *Dragon Ball Evolution*.

However, as the *Dragon Ball Super* English dub aired, Marsters’ unmistakable voice and his phenomenal performance as the calm, yet increasingly unhinged, Kaioshin quickly won over the audience. The quality of the voice acting was so high that it transcended any past controversy. When his true identity was eventually confirmed, the fan reaction was overwhelmingly positive, validating Marsters’ gamble and completing his redemption arc.

The Performance: Spike's Edge Meets Divine Arrogance

Marsters’ portrayal of Zamasu is widely considered a masterclass in voice acting, perfectly capturing the character’s complex arc from a calm, philosophical deity to a raging, genocidal madman. He brought a theatrical depth to the role, utilizing his experience as a screen actor to convey Zamasu’s self-righteousness and the chilling logic behind the "Zero Mortal Plan."

• The Voice of Zamasu: Marsters’ voice work gives Zamasu a smooth, articulate, and almost seductive quality, which contrasts sharply with the guttural screams of his fused form. This technique highlights Zamasu's initial veneer of civility before his true, violent nature is revealed.
• Goku Black's Partner: As Zamasu works alongside Goku Black (voiced by Sean Schemmel), Marsters had to establish a dynamic that was both cooperative and competitive, often providing the philosophical backbone to Goku Black's raw power. The dialogue between the two villains is a highlight of the *Future Trunks Saga*.
• Fan Consensus: Despite a rocky start in the video game *Xenoverse 2* where some felt the script or direction was lacking, Marsters "unbelievably overperformed" when he was given a better script and more time to hone the voice for the *Dragon Ball Super* anime.

The Zamasu role has cemented James Marsters not just as a talented screen actor, but as a respected and beloved figure within the *Dragon Ball* voice acting community. His story is a powerful reminder that passion and dedication can overcome even the most significant past missteps, turning a controversial past into an incredible, fan-favorite future.