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The Unexpected Star: Everything To Know About Marshall Lee's New Voice Actor, Kris Kollins, And The Legacy Of Donald Glover

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Few animated characters carry the cultural weight and fan devotion of Marshall Lee the Vampire King, the gender-bent counterpart to Marceline in the beloved *Adventure Time* universe. For years, fans instantly recognized the character's voice as that of a global superstar, but as of late December 2025, the iconic role has transitioned to a new, rising talent. This shift marks a significant moment for the *Fionna and Cake* spin-off, introducing a fresh vocal presence while honoring the character's established legacy.

The original voice behind the brooding, musical vampire was none other than Donald Glover, a fact that surprised and delighted audiences for over a decade. However, the latest season of the spin-off series, *Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake*, introduced a new voice actor, Kris Kollins, a move that reflects the evolving careers of its stars and the fresh direction of the animated world. This article dives deep into both actors, from the legendary musician who originated the role to the Broadway sensation now carrying the torch.

The Original Vampire King: Donald Glover's Biography and Recent Projects

Donald Glover, known globally by his stage name Childish Gambino, is a true polymath whose career spans music, acting, writing, directing, and producing. His involvement as Marshall Lee was a high-profile, fan-favorite casting that cemented the character's status.

Donald Glover (Childish Gambino) Profile

  • Full Name: Donald McKinley Glover Jr.
  • Born: September 25, 1983, in Edwards Air Force Base, California.
  • Career Highlights: Actor, comedian, writer, director, producer, and musician (Childish Gambino).
  • Notable Roles: Troy Barnes in *Community*, creator and star of *Atlanta*, Lando Calrissian in *Solo: A Star Wars Story*, and Simba in *The Lion King* (2019).
  • Voice Acting: Marshall Lee in *Adventure Time* (main series and *Fionna and Cake* Season 1).
  • Awards: Multiple Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards for *Atlanta*, and Grammy Awards for his music, including Record of the Year for "This Is America."

Glover's time as Marshall Lee, particularly in the fan-favorite episode "Bad Little Boy," showcased his musical talent and unique vocal texture, perfectly capturing the character's melancholic yet mischievous spirit.

Glover’s Most Current Work (2024–2025)

The reason for the voice actor change is clear: Donald Glover's schedule is packed with high-profile, demanding projects. His recent work has focused heavily on filmmaking and his final musical chapter as Childish Gambino.

  • Final Childish Gambino Albums: Glover announced that he would be releasing his final two albums under the Childish Gambino moniker.
  • *Bando Stone & The New World*: One of these final albums serves as the soundtrack for his upcoming film, *Bando Stone & The New World*, for which he unveiled the first trailer in 2024. This project is a major focus for him as a writer and director.
  • *Swarm* (2023): He co-created and executive-produced the critically acclaimed comedy thriller television series *Swarm* for Amazon Prime Video.

Given his transition into major feature film production and his final musical tour, stepping away from the voice role in *Fionna and Cake* Season 2 was a necessary move, paving the way for a new talent to emerge.

Meet Kris Kollins: The New Voice of Marshall Lee

The biggest news for Marshall Lee fans is the introduction of Kris Kollins as the character's new voice actor for *Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake* Season 2. This casting choice is a testament to the creators' commitment to finding a vocal talent that could match the character's musicality and charisma.

Kris Kollins: From Berklee Grad to Broadway Star

Kris Kollins is a rising star in the entertainment world, primarily known for his work in musical theatre and singing. The casting director for *Fionna and Cake* discovered Kollins through an open audition process, highlighting his unique suitability for the role.

Kollins is a Washington native and a graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, giving him the strong vocal background needed to portray the Vampire King.

His most notable recent role, which likely led to his casting in the animated series, is his starring turn in the pre-Broadway world premiere of the *Purple Rain Musical*.

  • The Role of "The Kid": Kollins was cast as the lead character, "The Kid" (originally played by Prince), in the highly anticipated musical adaptation of the 1984 film *Purple Rain*.
  • Discovery: He was discovered on social media during a nationwide search for the perfect actor to play the Prince-inspired role, a clear sign of his star quality and unique vocal resemblance to the musical legend.

Kollins’ background as a singer and stage actor makes him an ideal successor to Donald Glover, ensuring that Marshall Lee’s musical numbers and emotional depth continue to resonate with the audience. His casting represents a fresh, exciting chapter for the character.

The Legacy and Future of Marshall Lee in Fionna and Cake

The character of Marshall Lee has always been a key part of the *Adventure Time* legacy, often appearing alongside Fionna and Cake as a foil to Prince Gumball, much like Marceline is to Princess Bubblegum.

The transition of the voice role from a superstar like Donald Glover to a breakout talent like Kris Kollins is a common, yet always scrutinized, event in long-running animated franchises. The decision to cast a skilled singer and actor like Kollins demonstrates that the show's producers prioritize the character's performance quality, especially the musical aspects that define the Vampire King.

Fans of the original series who loved the dynamic between Marshall Lee and Marceline (voiced by Olivia Olson) can rest assured that the character's core identity remains intact. The new voice actor brings a contemporary, powerful vocal presence that is perfectly suited for the continued adventures of the gender-bent universe. This change not only gives a major platform to a rising star but also injects new energy into Marshall Lee's storyline for *Fionna and Cake* Season 2 and beyond.

The shift from a globally famous actor to a Broadway sensation highlights the rich talent pool in voice acting today and keeps the *Adventure Time* spin-off feeling fresh and relevant. As Kris Kollins steps into the microphone, he continues the tradition of Marshall Lee as a complex, charismatic, and musically gifted vampire, ensuring that the character's legacy lives on for a new generation of fans.

marshall lee voice actor
marshall lee voice actor

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