Goodwin, Dallas, Jared Gilmore and Emilie de Ravin follow in the footsteps of Jennifer Morrison and Rebecca Mader who are set to depart the show after the sixth season.
- May 13, 2017
AceShowbiz - "Once Upon a Time" is losing most of its lead cast ahead of its season 7. Following announcements of Jennifer Morrison and Rebecca Mader's departures, it's now confirmed that Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow White/ Mary Margaret), Josh Dallas (Prince Charming/ David Nolan), Jared Gilmore (Henry Mills) and Emilie de Ravin (Belle) are leaving the show as well after the current sixth season.
ABC says in a statement, "Words can't do justice to what Ginny, Josh, Emilie, Rebecca and Jared brought to 'ONCE UPON A TIME'... but we'll try... never have we had the privilege of working with a more talented group of collaborators. Each brought unique talent, incredible intelligence, and their own individual bit of magic as they gave life to these iconic characters."
"Ginny reinvented Snow White for a modern audience - there was no way she would be stuck cleaning up after dwarfs, she created an iconic empowered heroine for the 21st century."
"Josh mined the depths of Prince Charming - a character who in myth was just a 'type' but in his superlative interpretation became a complex man fighting for love and family."
"Emilie took the character of Belle to a deep and soulful place, bringing great intelligence and warmth to the character, making her fiercely independent, strong willed but also an eternal optimist who saw only the best in all those she encountered."
"Rebecca took us on a broomstick roller coaster ride as she re-invented the Wicked Witch of the West by finding the pain beneath the green. She made the character soar to incredible heights while always keeping her grounded and relatable."
"And Jared literally grew up before the eyes of millions, from a child actor with enormous innate talent to a young man whose abilities continue to astound as he created a character who truly, as we say on the show, has the heart of the truest believer."
"We can't thank them enough for the hard work, dedication, and passion they delivered day in and day out. Without them there would be no 'ONCE UPON A TIME'."
"As 'ONCE' continues, this group will always be the beating heart of the show. And even though we won't be with them every week, in a show about magic and hope, we fervently believe it won't be the last we see of them."
"Once Upon a Time", which was recently renewed for season 7, reportedly will undergo a major reboot in the next season, which includes the introduction to new characters played by "The Walking Dead" alum Andrew J. West and Alison Fernandez. Lana Parrilla (Regina), Robert Carlyle (Mr. Gold) and Colin O'Donoghue (Captain Hook) are confirmed to return for season 7.
"OUAT" season 6 finale airs Sunday, May 14 at 8 P.M. on ABC. A new sneak peek for the episode released via E! News hints at how Jennifer Morrison is being written out.
