Donald Glover, known for voicing Marshall Lee in the first season of the animated series Fionna and Cake, will not be returning for Season 2, sparking questions about the reasons behind his departure. The highly anticipated second season, premiering on HBO Max on October 23, will see Kris Kollins stepping into the role, ensuring continuity for this key character within the Adventure Time universe.
Fionna and Cake is a spin-off set in the same world as the original Adventure Time series. It follows the alternate universe versions of Jake and Finn’s counterparts, Fionna and Cake, on a multiversal journey filled with new challenges and familiar characters. Season 2 promises an expansion of the story, including the return of several fan-favorite characters and a deeper exploration of the show’s universe.
New Voice Actor Kris Kollins Takes Over as Marshall Lee
Kris Kollins recently announced on his Instagram that he will be the new voice of Marshall Lee for the upcoming season. Marshall Lee is the gender-swapped version of Marceline the Vampire Queen, a character originally voiced by Donald Glover in Season 1. Kollins expressed his excitement about joining the series and paid tribute to Glover’s original portrayal.
“I can finally announce I am joining Season 2 of ‘Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake’ as the voice of Marshall Lee. It’s such an honor to be apart of a show that I’ve loved since 2010. Thank you to Kristi and everyone who saw Marshall in me. Thank you Donald Glover for originating the role of Marshall…I promise to put my best foot forward. Grateful and appreciative. Thank you God.”
Kris Kollins, voice actor
Alongside Kollins, the cast features voice talents including Madeleine Martin, Roz Ryan, and Tom Kenny, who bring life to the diverse range of characters in the series. The change in voice actor marks a significant shift, given Glover’s prominence both in the entertainment world and for his role in Community and Atlanta.
Understanding the Reasons Behind Donald Glover’s Exit
Donald Glover’s absence from Fionna and Cake Season 2 comes as a disappointment for many fans, especially as the sequel season appears set to elevate the show’s scope. Despite this, Glover’s decision to step down was influenced by serious health challenges that arose during the production schedule.
Reports indicate that recording sessions for the second season began in mid-2023, around July, which coincided with a period when Glover publicly announced the cancellation of his then-current world tour due to medical issues. Speaking to The Los Angeles Times, he said,
[I] need time out to heal.
This statement highlighted his focus on recovery over work commitments.
Although Glover has not shared detailed information about his health condition, it is known he underwent surgery to address the problem. Since then, he has resumed some of his creative work, including musical performances under his stage name, Childish Gambino. However, his health recovery schedule could not accommodate the demands of the Season 2 recording timeline, leading to his replacement.
Impact on the Fionna and Cake Series and Its Fans
The replacement of Donald Glover by Kris Kollins inevitably changes the dynamic for viewers who appreciated Glover’s initial role as Marshall Lee. However, Kollins has committed to honoring the character’s legacy and bringing his own interpretation to the role, which may offer fresh dimensions to the series moving forward.
Season 2 of Fionna and Cake aims to expand the narrative with new storylines and a larger cast of characters drawn from the Adventure Time franchise, raising expectations for an engaging continuation. While some fans may miss Glover’s voice acting, the show’s creators and cast remain focused on delivering compelling adventures within this beloved universe.
Given Glover’s established success and his ongoing creative pursuits, his temporary step back highlights the challenges that artists face balancing personal health with professional projects. His recovery and return to work underscore his resilience, even as the series welcomes a new voice for Marshall Lee.
