JAMES MARSTERS: Path to Self Acceptance, His Darkest Day on Buffy & His Dragon Ball Apology

[@medusaslair]

The episode when Spike beats Angel is actually one of my most favorite episodes of the Buffyverse. It's one of the best fights as well, very aesthetically pleasing. 👌 Please, James, do more audio book work. Or guided meditations or something, your voice is a real life anti anxiety medicine. ❤ This was such a lovely conversation to listen to. Thank you, both of you!

[@paulieswalnut]

So many fans don't understand why that was the necessary outcome. They did it in a way that brings Spike up to Angel's level without dragging Angel down at all. Then later in the finale, Angel signs away his right to the Shan-Shu to the circle of the black thorn. This leaves Spike as the only viable candidate to possibly become human one day. It was Angel's amends to Spike for making him a monster.

[@medusaslair]

@@paulieswalnut In my opinion Spike was always waaay above Angel, simply because he had at least some morals and feelings even without his soul. But I know what you mean by "Angel's level" in this particular circumstance. I think probably only the hardcore Angel fans didn't want to understand that episode. 😉 I'm not sure Angel signs that away for Spike though, I feel it was more his own sacrifice after both Cordelia and Fred had been "sacrificed" in this fight.

[@Ahmet_Koctar]

Which episode is that?

[@medusaslair]

@@Ahmet_Koctar It's in season 5 of Angel, the episode is called Destiny.

[@Ahmet_Koctar]

@@medusaslair I've only watched the first season of Angel and maybe one or two episodes of the second season. I'm not sure if I'll ever complete the series.

[@marcelparker6755]

"I kicked Angel's ass on his own show..." When he puts it like that, massive brownie points there! 🤣🤣🤣

[@terriberri87]

Buffy was such an important part of my teen years. Love hearing interviews with James

[@julipkarvantes1632]

WoW. You just don't realise how much these scenes effect the actors...James your a beautiful man with a great soul. Brilliant actor of out time.😊❤

[@mosquitopyjamas9048]

I love listening to him and his outlook and voyage. Guys an inspiration

[@Grogeous_Maximus]

I still can't get that James isn't actually British. I still half suspect his American accent is the fake one lol

[@MKF30]

James naturally rocking that Spike hair now, loved his Brainiac!

[@umokwhy2830]

Yeah, he did great

[@MKF30]

Yeah for sure!

[@christianslater2736]

Met james masters at a comicon, I would have to say he is one of the sweetest down to earth celebs Ive ever met, he was so cool and engaging ,and had no problem taking his time with each person he talked too...Always loved him in buffy, so was a dream to meet him..

[@MakingDisciples4Jesus]

I'm jealous

[@Never.EndingGamer]

I also met him at the comic con we have in my city. Very nice and polite! I casually bumped into him on his way to his panel/booth and I told him I loved him on Smallville and was a huge Spike fan! He graciously said "thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed them!" And gave me a handshake and went to table.

[@christianslater2736]

@@Never.EndingGamer thats awesome!

[@thequestion5935]

I need James Marsters in the calm app such a soothing voice

[@killerbee2562]

Get his Dresden files audio books

[@dangingerich2559]

James Marsters was AWESOME doing the audiobooks for The Dresden Files. I've listened to the whole series twice (read it myself three times) specifically because of how he brings it all to life.

[@akellerhouse83]

Yes! I came here to comment the same thing.

[@Vahnish]

@@akellerhouse83 Me 3!

[@KimberlyAndrews-xe8ty]

And me as well

[@dwightbaldwin5500]

The best audiobook guy in the business!

[@DiscoDuck_73]

Absolutely agree! I absolutely love listening to him read the Harry Dresden series, I can't imagine anyone doing them. He's the perfect person for it.

[@eleutherna]

Big props to James for saying he was in a bad project! Lately, people are too quick to blame fans for not liking something, when sometimes, a project just doesn't work. It happens. Plus, everyone has different tastes, and that's okay.😊 He was a great guest!

[@theresemarkham9387]

I am so glad that James is back on the podcast. I am listening to this episode now and I am learning so much more about him. I loved how he played Brainic. Thank you for bringing us such a great podcast.

[@SerenSehota-tq8pw]

The irony of his contract not enabling him to say no to a SA scene was clearly lost on the producers.

[@MsJenn1985]

Yes he couldn’t remove consent for it which is horrifying, it was a very well done episode, I’ve seen it once but the only episode of buffy that I cannot watch again, spike is my fave character and I can’t see him in that light, xx

[@sannevandenheuvel2290]

I was going to ask why it was not possible for him to refuse doing this scene if it made him so very tormented. I've understood that other actors on the show also disagreed with this horrible character-assasination for Spike and I never understood why they did not just collectively say 'no'. Is it true that it was in their contracts they could not refuse anything the writers put in the script? That's just horrible!

[@Ladyrhyannah]

I had the wonderful pleasure to meet you both at Dragon Con at separate times. Michael, Sorority Boys to this day is still one of my favorite movies. James, Spike is still my favorite character in Buffy. My children would get up 1 hour earlier for school just so they could watch you in Buffy. Thank you, guys, for being so very awesome. 😊

[@V3x0r]

Sorority Boys is a great film. I used to watch Buffy reruns in the Summer evenings after spending 4 hours mowing the lawn.

[@anikejulien7273]

Hey, how do you know about all the cons that's not the big ones like comic con? I feel like I always hear about guests being somewhere after it's done. There's a ton of small ones I've never heard of and they're not talked about much.

[@Ladyrhyannah]

@anikejulien7273 Through word of mouth, researching on the internet, and searching someone's name and if they are going to be in my area. I hope this helps.

[@damedeviant1388]

I met him in Aberdeen, Scotland this year. He was so kind and signed my painting I made of him. Spike means a lot to me ❤

[@MakingDisciples4Jesus]

Same

[@michaels3294]

I love the Buffy musical episode and James has one of the best songs. Had not seen in years and for some reason watched a few days before this interview.

[@MichaelJPartyka]

62??? Are you SURE he's not an ACTUAL vampire???

[@uglyboydonk]

I've worked with guys that looked that old and they were in their 40s.

[@misslanapaulford]

Yah your right. He literally just turned 62 at the end of August. 62 isn't what 62 used to be. Image what 62 could be for people in 10 years or 20 years.

[@heartagrammed]

I had a huge crush on James during his Buffy days. I tried looking for his age and back in the day that was usually on your website. His age wasnt. I searched everywhere and it said he kept his age very close to his heart. Rumors on messaging board said he was 42. We now know that to be true! haha

[@merlinsclaw]

James Marsters is just a gem of a person, and a wonderful pod guest. 😍😍

[@PromusKaa]

Holy sh*t!!! Hearing James perform Shakespeare gave me CHILLS!!!!!! It was just a small excerpt but the goosebumps were real. Absolutely PHENOMENAL legendary actor!!!

[@tattycakes2k2]

Does he do any audiobook narrations? If not, he needs to!

[@glamorousglue303]

@@tattycakes2k2yes he does, he’s actually considered one of the best. The Dresden Files is his signature

[@AlastarRevancrow]

My mind went straight blank when he started whispering Shakespeare xD

[@Thunderer0872]

'William the Bloody' AKA 'Spike', loved the accent, great to see him doing good.

[@TheGohanSkywalker]

I'll correct James on one point. The best thing about Dragonball Evolution is that it spurred him on to do Zamasu in Super. That performance is insane.

[@UrmanitaRules]

I just looked it up, and my mind is blown away. That’s one hell of a step up from Evolution for sure.

[@CaseyWalloch]

I absolutely love this interview...I have been a major James Marsters fan since the first time he rolled in on Season 2 of Buffy. James is such an incredible and thoughtful actor, and as Spike, he can make you laugh and cry and want to hug him and then leave you with an iconic saucy facial gesture at the end of Becoming Pt. 2. I appreciate James talking about that scene from Season 6 of Buffy, I felt like it had to be so hard to shoot and forced. James is one of my most favorite actors, and I will pick Spike as my favorite role because he actually was truly dynamic in that role. Thank you James for being you.🫡🤗💯

[@damarcohamby]

Got to meet him a few months ago and what a humble and amazing man he is 😊 Truly cares about his fans and just a genuine kind soul ❤️

[@alanarapacz1882]

One of the best interviews I have seen . Thanks to James Marsters for sharing his honesty. I met him a few years ago in London Ontario. In the few minutes we were talking, he was so present and genuine. He is such a wonderful person. As a survivor of sexual assault, I really appreciate the care and empathy he shared regarding the scene on Buffy. It was a very powerful and real scene.

[@ObservantPiratePlus]

Love the fact that James's hair has matured into Spike hair, 24/7.

[@lindamawdsley6130]

This was such an open and honest and sometimes vulnerable interview, I could really relate to certain topics that were discussed. Thanks for having James on the podcast🙂

[@megumi-nightdream]

I always loved James Marsters since Buffy The Vampire Slayer. I actually grew up watching Buffy. Helped me walking those bad strange years, growing up in a disfunctional family. I always thought he was a good man, but after watching this for me he became an amazing human being. Michael, it was so good to find out your podcasts. It's so great you're doing this! Keep it up!

[@akellerhouse83]

Other than Buffy, my favorite project of James Marsters is his narration of the Dresden Files audiobooks. Freakin incredible!

[@mohammadbashammakh]

James marsters was incredible as spike , can’t say a bad thing about his performance in dragon ball even though the movie was so bad , and let’s not forget his performance as Brainiac in smallville and as Lex in Superman Doomsday, the man’s body of work is incredible

[@darksteelyurius]

Don't forget Captain John Hart on Torchwood

[@Peratohtori]

I'm a Dragon Ball superfan, and I never held Dragon Ball Evolution against any of the actors. They all did their best with the material they were given Just like Michael was with Smallville, James was a big part of my childhood thanks to Buffy, so I was genuinely happy to see him cast as Piccolo, even though the movie fell short Seeing James hyped for the movie as a real fan and for his kid in the interviews was really fun "you can't be Piccolo dad, you're nowhere near buff enough". It gave me the same vibes as Raul Julia as M.Bison in the Street Fighter live action movie, who also took the part because his son was a fan of the source material James also fought for accuracy with the adaptation because without him live action Piccolo wouldn't even have been green, he always seemed to share the heartbreak the fans had with how far the adaptation strayed from the original but still gave it his all, genuine props for that

[@alwayshaley325]

The backstory of how the assault scene in Buffy came to be is so dark…

[@jcosmochic82]

What happened?!

[@jnbg61584]

@@jcosmochic82 Marti noxon was in the role of Spike in her real life

[@victoriaglenn-perret1063]

@@jnbg61584I heard her speak at a college seminar and had no idea about this. This may have been before that episode though.

[@jnbg61584]

@@victoriaglenn-perret1063 that episode would have been released spring/summer 2002

[@oneeyegovernor806]

I totally forgot you played Piccolo! You were still the best part of that movie and Braniac is iconic in Smallville! Thank you James

[@Caffein8Owerly]

Love James Marsters. I was lucky enough to meet him at Calgary Expo. Such a sweet man.

[@nikkicole54321]

I love these Marsters interviews. Each one is so unique! Each one unveils another layer

[@Noctem0RebelGamer]

Feels like a Saga with James Marsters, he comes back its just awesome to listen.

[@DaigotsuSoetsu]

Michael and James reciting plays (and getting so excited) is something I didn't know I needed to hear~

[@RadicalValkyrie]

I love how Michael digs deep and doesn't let something just fly by.

[@TrollBridgerton]

“Buffy sent me into therapy.” “Why” *Ad*😂😂

[@alexgaspar2525]

Love James so happy to see you do this episode

[@renlish]

I could listen to James do Shakespeare FOREVER.

[@99mistarip]

Zamasu is one of my greatest villains in all of cinema and art. And James portrayed him well HIS VOICE

[@FayFatale-ny1ke]

62 and still adorable i loved buffy growing up and loved spike and that one seen was so hard and ugly but its good to know he cares

[@SifuToast]

Really cool interview. Also, thanks Rosey, for continuing to be an advocate for mental health especially for men.

[@Brook11223]

James Marsters is always going to be Spike. Yes he was Braniac but Spike is the role that defines him. I can't wait to see him appear in a Talkville episode where he talks about his experiences working on Smallville season 5 and seeing previous seasons to prepare for his role as Milton Fine aka Braniac. Again his entrance coming from the ship gives that same vibe as Robert Patrick's T-1000 when he makes his entrance in T2: Judgement Day. Some of the ways his character kills his victims or putting them in a catatonic state is just like T-1000.

[@llamahunter3000]

Yeah he's amazing as Brainiac, I really want him to come on Talkville ❤

[@kerenolivero7097]

@@llamahunter3000, If I remember correctly, I think Bryce said that we'll have James on Talk Ville, soon :)

[@xoxojessicaxox0]

I love hearing about his life growing up. He’s just one of us ❤

[@DawnFischer25]

Thank you so much for you honesty and openness. I've met James several times at DragonCon but after that episode came out it really killed the show for me. It was horrifying that he would treat someone he loved like that. Thank you for clearing the air for those of us not in the industry. It was so enlightening.

[@willjohnboy]

The best live action lex luthor and best live action brainiac talking, it doesn't get much better than that for this dc fan.

[@Rajdreamer]

This was such a soulful, wholesome, rich, and grounded interview. I grew up with you two...It made my day!

[@Gredunza]

Hands down your best guest. Always interesting, always holding the conversation. Amazing guest and amazing guy in general.

[@heathersterner7813]

I always wondered how the actors felt about that scene on Buffy. As a fan, I found it very dark and hard to watch. I can't even imagine having to act it out. Also, we need more Shakespeare by James Marsters, please. What a beautiful voice.

[@Ellen31]

If James says that's the story of "that scene" I'll take it - but the rumor that went around the interwebs was that Joss was upset that people were liking Spike so much, so he wanted to make him seem less desirable. That scene is not considered truth for most fans because it was incredibly out of character for Spike.

[@PiliHalliwell]

Yeah I always thouhght that but I don't think it contradicts what James said.

[@richiemaxwell8078]

Has James ever talked about doing the Dresden Files audiobooks on any of the podcasts? I'm behind on them and trying to catch up, but I'd love to hear him talk about the audiobooks

[@helenvogt88]

Love listening to these!!

[@CaptainZachofEarth]

42:45 another reminder to us that these moments happen in a flash. The simple and powerful choices we make may never lead us anywhere we expect, but stay with us for the rest of our lives. Thank you so much. I keep hope.

[@taraschneider6115]

Will always and forever be a huge fan of James Marsters. The fact that Juilliard treated him so poorly and essentially broke him down disgusts me. Yes, a learning institution is meant to prepare you for "real life" and it's inevitable hardships, but it is also a place of encouragement and evolution. I confess I rather enjoy the fact that they must have regrets and "look the fool" since he became a success. His quoting Shakespeare gave me goosebumps. His talent is what I would refer to as pure. Meaning his heart is in it for all the right reasons. He's as good as he is because of these pure reasons. What an kind, honest, reflective, confident yet humble person. I will definitely check out his podcast. Casa Grande was already on my watch list. My man is also a fan and happens to be a voice actor. We both enjoyed the Dresden Files audio books that James voiced. This was, as always, a great podcast but also a top favorite of mine. Great work Michael! 💜

[@loveit7484]

Great interview! I learned as much about you as I did about him. Absolutely loved this!!!

[@grazianasantoro7544]

I was so eagerly waiting for his comeback in this podcast

[@MINAHHDAFLUM]

Always a great show whenever the immensely captivating James Marsters is on!

[@itsthetinysistersshow327]

I’m so glad you make these podcasts. This one was absolutely one of the best. How both of you are so open about your thoughts and emotions really helps the rest of us. It makes me feel less alone when it comes to these things.

[@johncliffalvarez6513]

James’ the man! Despite whatever role he takes on, he shines with talent and gravitas. Not to mention an absolute sweetheart. Here’s wishing him continual success and happiness.

[@Stoic_Poet]

fantastic interview. very open and vulnerable

[@sparky955]

Michael, listening to you spending time with your guests feels like getting a hug. Thank you for your pod casts. 🌹

[@Marina.Vinokurova]

Thank you for talking about deep things ❤ opening guest and yourself thank you for questioning James, wish you all good and love ❤

[@jacoby-smith]

This is such a great episode. Thank you!

[@RadicalValkyrie]

OH! I was SO wanting James to be a guest on here. Legit a fantastic person and SO many fans. Buffy was a major part of so many Millennial's teen lives.

[@medusaslair]

Even for us gen X'ers.

[@royeaston6067]

He did it two years ago very interesting also check it out.

[@Saral3ear]

There's still a tiny little Sunnydale in our minds too, James!

[@calebleland8390]

James just seems like a genuine guy and I'd love to hang with him someday. Always dig your guests, Rosey!

[@LexiKnight]

Was rewatching Angel again after years and this pleasantly pops up. I love such coincidences.

[@trolledchaos6531]

James Marsters is such an inspiration to me. His work on Buffy and Angel was incredible, and his role narrating the Dresden files is beyond incredible, transcendent even. So good, I literally can't read them physically anymore(No offense Jim Butcher,) I HAVE to listen to the audiobooks.

[@victormendoza3295]

I have been watching smallville again (listening to the talkville pod), just watched James play the role of the professor. Really awesome guy. Also, I would say Zamasu makes up for Dragonball Evolution. Hope to see more Zamasu, or something else great.

[@ComicBookGuy420]

Spike is still one of my favourite characters, still weird to hear James' real accent😂

[@nickhydier1201]

It's always such a joy to have James Marsters on the podcast to talk about all his fun experiences with Buffy, Smallville and even spinoffs such as Angel. Has such interesting and funny insights to share. Really hope to meet him someday at a con or similar.😀😀🙏🙏🙏

[@paulieswalnut]

James being jealous of Michael for meeting Meryl Streep = me being jealousy of my friend Jen for having met James. 😂

[@thelostgirl101]

I love James Marsters! Thanks for having him on the show. Loved Spike and Brainiac! :)

[@Krystal-o4j]

After being Spike on Buffy, I thought he would surely get bigger roles and be cast as some main characters. That being said, he seems to have done good with guest appearances, voiceover work and also all the comic cons he goes to. Judging by the amount of cons he does a year, he must be raking in a ton of money.

[@MelissaH0311]

Yup, cons bring in roughly 25,000$ per con and he's done on average 35 or so a year for the past 25 years. It's crazy, with cons alone he probably earns more than a doctor lol. He can thank his long time groupies for that.

[@nickrogers4989]

Good Interview Michael with James Marsters and good Podcast as well!..

[@joseignacioreallozano348]

My cat must have really liked the shoothing way he said the "I am happy..." at 25:36, cause he kept pressing buttons and repeating it hahaha

[@BelleyPuffy]

James is a great actor and person and I loved listening to him in this episode :)

[@TheMaskedHero]

I was just finishing another Dresden Files novel - read by James. Happy to continue hearing his voice!

[@starscythe2099]

Dragon Ball Evolution was not a good translation of Dragon Ball, but I remember seeing that movie in theaters with my grandmother. She had fun and I liked that she enjoyed it. (She never watched the anime so she had nothing to compare to it.) I have fond memories of it and I enjoyed it within context of it being its own independent thing.

[@karinadixon9922]

Listening to Michael and James quote shakespeare is something I didn't know my ears needed. If they want to do more I don't think many people would say no.

[@DragonMastersFinds]

James is one of my favorite Celebs I’ve ever met at a con. And I’ve gone to cons specifically cause he was going to be there. Always so nice, loves his fans, loves talking to us as fans and there aren’t even words for how he makes you feel when he talks to you, it’s oddly unreal. If you’re a fan and he is going to be at a convention near you do yourself the favor and go to meet him.

[@KevinTheTimeGeek86]

Oh nice! An interview with one of my faves on my birthday! Thanks, Roeenbaum! You rock!

[@mr5410]

Love this guy's audio book narrations!!...

[@RobPerreault]

Great work guys, love the show, keep it up!!

[@Mike-rs6sd]

Love this podcast always have interesting guests good work.

[@krookedkeys3657]

I could listen to these 2 talk all day!!

[@KeithB1994]

Brilliant podcast man and I love and respect what you do on your channel 😊❤

[@umokwhy2830]

Anytime I listen to him I can only think about Harry Dresden, and I'm really glad he is the voice that brings Harry to life in the audiobooks. If I couls get one wish for an entertainment project, would be an animated version of the books (faithful to the books themselves no changes) and he voice Harry. Would be amazing.

[@yaoi808]

I am crying at how Dragonball: Evolution made it into the podcast 😂😂😂😂😂

[@kerenolivero7097]

James Marsters is one of my fav. actors. Love this so much! :)

[@Hezaa47]

James doing Shakespeare melted me 🫠❤ thanks for this interview!

[@DenofLore]

James Marsden is the best repeat guest.

[@vickipratt71]

I heard this from a professor once, and it resonates with me: Happiness is a byproduct of giving yourself to others. Isn’t that cool?

[@thefirefallnetwork]

I really appreciate James Marsters - talent, transparency, and just being real. I believe that is why audiences gravitate to him. Being an actor, especially one that does theater or starts there, is not for the faint of heart. It must be a calling to endure what goes with it. Thank you sir for being who you. RJ

[@paigejoannaa]

That episode of Buffy is such a hard watch but I think it was a piece of TV that needed to happen because it happens to so many of us. It's painful to know it was hard to act, but makes perfect sense as it's painful to watch!

[@Aragedie]

I'm so excited to see this episode. Met James 3x at cons, and he is always soooo gracious, shares amazing stories, and takes time with each fan. My 13 yr old is on s6 of buffy and s3 of Angel, and she LOVES James too. ❤

[@marianoyuba3736]

Is James a real vampire because he looks just like he did back on Buffy and Angel. Unbelievable. Musta come from the same ship as Paul Rudd.

[@sorscha1308]

I love that his fav play is Macbeth. Mine too. I could watch that play once a week forever and never get bored.

[@shontose]

Oatmeal for 3 meals a day is where I am. I've never heard anybody else say that. Crazy. I didn't think I could love James any more, but here you have done and taken me there.

[@AniGrannyOG]

I absolutely love that James Marsters is a DBZ fan!! That is my happy thought for the day.

[@thequestion5935]

This is one of the realest podcast in the internet

[@spikesecho724]

Fantastic interview and discussion!! ❤

[@nickrogers4989]

Also..I like the Return of Spike in the Angel Series as well!..James Marsters, your a down to earth, cool, smart, genuine respectful human being as well ! You and Michael Rosenbaum rock man!..