The Saiyan Slayer's Voice: 5 Shocking Facts About Zamasu's English Voice Actor, James Marsters

Few villains in the modern Dragon Ball franchise have sparked as much philosophical debate and sheer fan fury as Zamasu, the megalomaniacal Kai who sought to enact his "Zero Mortals Plan." The character's chilling, self-righteous delivery in the English dub of Dragon Ball Super is undeniably a masterpiece of voice acting, and the man behind the divine, menacing voice is none other than legendary screen and stage actor, James Marsters. As of December 14, 2025, Marsters continues to be celebrated for bringing the complex, corrupted deity to life, but his journey to the role is one of the most surprising and little-known stories in anime dubbing history, a true tale of redemption that goes far beyond a simple casting decision.

The identity of the English voice actor for Zamasu and his fused form, Merged Zamasu, was initially shrouded in mystery, adding a layer of intrigue to the character's debut. However, the actor eventually revealed himself, connecting one of the most beloved live-action villains in pop culture to one of the most hated—and best—anime antagonists of the last decade. This deep dive uncovers the man, his career, and the incredible, almost apologetic effort he put into securing this iconic voice role.

James Marsters: Biography and Essential Roles

James Wesley Marsters is an American actor, voice actor, musician, singer, comic book writer, and audiobook narrator, best known for his transformative roles across television and animation. His career is defined by playing charismatic, often morally ambiguous characters who leave an indelible mark on their respective franchises. His ability to switch from suave, sardonic wit to chilling, unhinged rage made him the perfect candidate for a complex villain like Zamasu. His profile is as follows:

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• Full Name: James Wesley Marsters
• Born: August 20, 1962 (Age 63 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Carmichael, California, U.S.
• Occupation: Actor, Voice Actor, Musician, Singer, Comic Book Writer, Audiobook Narrator
• Notable Live-Action Roles:
  • Spike (William the Bloody) in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003) and Angel (2001–2004)
  • Milton Fine / Brainiac in Smallville (2005–2008)
  • Captain John Hart in Torchwood (2007–2008)
  • Victor Stein in Runaways (2017–2019)
  • Victor Hesse in Hawaii Five-0 (2010)
  • Ted in P.S. I Love You (2007)
• Notable Voice Roles:
  • Zamasu / Future Zamasu / Merged Zamasu in Dragon Ball Super (2017–2019)
  • Lex Luthor in Superman: Doomsday (2007)
  • Sgt. Major in The Super Hero Squad Show (2009)
  • Commander Jace in Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2010)
  • Dandy Highwayman in Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (2013)
• Music Career: Lead singer and guitarist for the band Ghost of the Robot (2003–present).

The Shocking 'Redemption Arc' That Led to Zamasu

The story of how James Marsters became the voice of Zamasu is far more compelling than a typical casting call; it was a personal quest for redemption in the eyes of the Dragon Ball community. This unique narrative stems from his involvement in the widely criticized 2009 live-action film, Dragon Ball Evolution.

In Dragon Ball Evolution, Marsters played the live-action role of Demon King Piccolo. The film was a critical and commercial disaster, and the portrayal of the characters, including Piccolo, was heavily panned by the dedicated fanbase. Marsters, who reportedly became a genuine fan of the source material while researching the role, felt a deep responsibility for the disappointment the film caused.

When the opportunity arose to audition for Zamasu in the Funimation English dub of Dragon Ball Super, Marsters saw it as his chance to apologize to the community and prove his respect for the franchise. He has openly stated in recent convention appearances, including a Q&A at GalaxyCon Columbus in 2024, that he "fought hard" for the role.

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The effort he put in was extraordinary: Marsters initially worked on the dub outside of his standard contracts, and some reports suggest he even offered to work for free to secure the role. This dedication was so intense that he was initially credited under the pseudonym "David Gray" in the anime and sometimes "Sam Majesters" in video games like Dragon Ball FighterZ to keep his involvement a secret and allow the performance to speak for itself, separate from the baggage of Evolution.

The Distinctive Voice of Divine Arrogance

Marsters’ performance as Zamasu is celebrated for its distinctive characteristics, perfectly capturing the Kai's journey from a calm, philosophical apprentice to a maniacal, self-proclaimed god. His voice work is a masterclass in controlled intensity and topical authority.

The Nuances of Zamasu's Voice

The Zamasu character required a voice that could convey both profound wisdom and terrifying arrogance. Marsters delivered this by using a smooth, almost theatrical tone that is initially measured and polite, reflecting Zamasu's status as a Supreme Kai apprentice. However, as Zamasu's nihilistic "Zero Mortals Plan" takes hold, the performance shifts.

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In the role of Zamasu, Marsters employs a slightly elevated, resonant pitch that drips with self-importance. When he merges with Goku Black to become Merged Zamasu, his voice gains an echoing, layered quality, reflecting the character's newfound, unstable omnipotence. This vocal texture perfectly encapsulates the villain's descent into madness and his belief in his own divine justice, making lines like "I am justice! I am the world!" incredibly impactful. The performance is consistently ranked among the best villain voices in the entire Dragon Ball dub history.

From Spike to Brainiac: The Versatility of a Voice

James Marsters' career is a testament to his incredible versatility, allowing him to embody a range of characters from a romantic vampire anti-hero to a cosmic supervillain and a divine antagonist. His work in Dragon Ball Super is not an isolated voice acting credit but a continuation of a successful, multi-faceted career.

Before Zamasu, his most famous role, Spike, the platinum-blonde vampire from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off Angel, demonstrated his ability to command attention with a unique, gravelly voice and a distinct British accent. This foundation of playing complex, fan-favorite antagonists prepared him perfectly for the layered evil of the Supreme Kai.

Furthermore, his portrayal of the Kryptonian villain Brainiac (as Milton Fine) in the hit series Smallville showed his comfort with high-stakes sci-fi and comic book lore. Similarly, voicing Lex Luthor in the animated film Superman: Doomsday further cemented his place as a go-to actor for intelligent, powerful, and deeply flawed villains in the superhero genre. These roles collectively highlight his proficiency in delivering dialogue that is both intellectually dense and emotionally charged, a skill he masterfully deployed to bring the philosophical terror of Zamasu to life.

In recent years, Marsters continues to engage with his fanbase and discuss his iconic roles, including Zamasu, at major conventions like Supanova Comic Con in late 2024 and upcoming events in 2025. His ongoing presence ensures that the story behind Zamasu's voice—a story of passion, repentance, and a deep love for the Dragon Ball universe—remains fresh and relevant to fans worldwide.