‘Once Upon a Time’ Renewed for Season 7: Who’s Returning?

ABC confirmed Once Upon a Time will return for a seventh season and series creators Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis say this upcoming season will reboot the show. Many fan favorites won’t be returning, including Jennifer Morrison who stars as Emma and whose journey as the Savior has been the focus of series since its premiere.

“The past six years of collaborating with Jennifer as Emma Swan have been truly magical. Watching her breathe life into Emma, she accomplished more than we could have dreamed possible — she gave life to a brand-new Disney Princess, filled with strength and intelligence and an incredible closet full of red leather jackets,” stated Horowitz and Kitsis about Morrison’s exit from Once Upon a Time.

Also unlikely to return are Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas who star as Snow White and Prince Charming in the fantasy series, as well as Emilie de Ravin who plays Belle. And Rebecca Mader, who plays Zelena, has now confirmed she will not be a part of season seven. Mader and de Ravin posted lengthy messages to fans on Instagram thanking them for their support of the show and their characters.

To my Darling Pretties, First of all I would like to start by congratulating Adam, Eddie, Lana, Bobby and Colin on the pick up of Once Upon A Time! I am truly happy for you all and most importantly for the fans that will get to keep tuning in each week to see where they will take us. A lot of you have been asking if I will be joining everyone in Season 7, so I wanted to let you know personally that unfortunately I am not. This wasn't my choice but a creative decision of the shows that I totally respect and understand. The most important thing is that you all know how much you mean to me. I am told frequently both online and in person that by being a part of such a special show I have in some way changed someone's life. This is hugely meaningful to me. I am here to let you know that I am the one who has been changed. Not just by playing such a well written multi-dimensional character but by the fandom itself. I have heard your stories, your pain, your struggles, your achievements and I have truly felt you. I have learned. I have grown. I am a better person because of you, the fans and everyone that blessed me with this opportunity to play such an iconic role. Congrats all and thank you! I look forward to the next. I invite you to come with me on this journey. I am forever changed. And I'm wicked. And Wicked Always Wins. Forever yours, Bex ????

A post shared by Rebecca Mader (@bexmader) on May 11, 2017 at 11:19pm PDT

Dear #oncers. I wanted to tell you guys myself, but it seems the news was already released :/ … I won't be returning to #onceuponatime for Season 7. While I would have loved to continue exploring Belle's journey, the show has decided to move in a different creative direction. Massive thank you to all the fans for your incredible love & support towards me & this character over the past 6 yrs. It's been an honor & a privilege to bring Belle to life :) Congrats to Adam & Eddy & the returning cast & crew!! I wish you all a wonderful 7th Season!! Much love ????xo

A post shared by Emilie de Ravin (@emiliede_ravin) on May 12, 2017 at 6:28pm PDT

The season seven reboot will move the story forward a few years and center on Lana Parrilla (‘Regina’), Robert Carlyle (‘Rumple/Gold’), and Colin O’Donoghue (‘Captain Hook/Killian Jones’). Season six episode 20 ended with the much-anticipated Hook and Emma wedding, and fans had hoped for a happy ending for the couple. With the exit of Morrison for the upcoming season, that happy ending appears to have been cut short.

Horowitz and Kitsis haven’t divulged details on season seven, however it’s been revealed Andrew J. West (The Walking Dead) and Alison Fernandez (Jane the Virgin) will be joining the show. West is expected to play an older version of Henry, so Jared Gilmore is also exiting. Season six will finish up with a two-hour two-part finale airing on May 14, 2017.

Season 6 The Final Battle Plot: Henry awakens to a cursed Storybrooke and discovers Emma has been in the mental hospital, and the Black Fairy is the new mayor. Henry attempts to help Emma regain her memory while Gold tries to find out what has really happened to Belle. Meanwhile, Snow, Charming, Regina, Zelena and Hook are trapped in a crumbling Fairy Tale Land and desperately try to figure out a way to be reunited with Emma and Henry.