Master storytellers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz ("Lost," "Tron: Legacy") invite everyone to join Emma Swan, Snow White, Prince Charming, Rumplestiltskin, Hook and the Evil Queen Regina as they travel through a portal on the Jolly Roger in an effort to reach Neverland and rescue Henry.
Welcome to Storybrooke, Maine, a small town that probably won't show up on your GPS, but it's a magical place to visit. Reality and myth merged after Emma broke Regina's curse, which had deprived the fairytale characters of their memories and trapped them in our modern world. When they finally regained their identities, our heroes were dismayed to discover that they weren't transported back to Fairy Tale Land. To make matters worse, Rumplestiltskin - aka Mr. Gold - decided to escalate his power struggle with Regina by introducing magic into the town. But this is our world, and magic always has a tendency to yield unfathomable consequences.
Nothing is more important than family, and these characters' bonds are as strong as the line between good and evil is blurry. Mary Margaret and Emma - mother and daughter reunited -- were sucked into a portal that transported them to what was left of Fairy Tale Land. It was there that they met Mulan and Aurora, who helped them evade Cora and Hook and enabled them to travel back to Storybrooke, reuniting them with Emma's father, David, and her son, Henry. But Cora and Hook found another portal into town, where Cora set about reuniting with her own daughter, Regina. Cora then attempted to find Mr. Gold's dagger in a play to take him down and become the Dark One herself. Hook had also aspired to kill Mr. Gold, not for power but for revenge. And Mr. Gold set out to find his son, Bae, which he did, in New York, with the aid of Emma and Henry. Much to everyone's surprise, Bae turned out to be Emma's former love, Neal, and Henry's father. Back in Storybrooke, Mary Margaret did something completely against her nature - she used dark magic to kill Cora - causing her own heart to darken. And Greg Mendell -- who saw magic in the town as a boy and believes Regina knows where he can find his father - along with his partner, Tamara, planned to eradicate magic completely from our world using a trigger that Regina had planted within her curse. During the struggle to save Storybrooke, Neal was shot by Tamara and fell through a portal to the Enchanted Forest -- barely alive - where he was found by Aurora, Mulan and Prince Phillip. Although their plan was foiled, Greg and Tamara kidnapped Henry and brought him through a portal to their "Home Office," believing that they might still be able to use him to destroy magic in all worlds. With the aid of Hook and his ship, Emma, Mary Margaret, David, Mr. Gold and Regina used the last magic bean to follow Henry, Greg and Tamara... to Neverland.
First order of business this season: save Henry. But Neverland is a much darker place than you remember, and in order for our heroes to accomplish their mission, they'll have to face a foe more powerful than the Dark One himself. What does Peter Pan want with Henry? Can our heroes put aside their differences and work together? Will Aurora, Mulan and Prince Phillip be able to nurse Neal back to health and reunite him with his family? New fairytale characters will be revealed and old acquaintances will be revisited. So think of a wonderful thought... because our Neverland's going to be a fever dream that just won't break.
"Once Upon a Time" stars Ginnifer Goodwin as Snow White/Mary Margaret, Jennifer Morrison as Emma Swan, Lana Parrilla as the Evil Queen/Regina, Josh Dallas as Prince Charming/David, Emilie de Ravin as Belle, Colin O'Donoghue as Hook, Michael Raymond-James as Baelfire/Neal Cassidy, Jared S. Gilmore as Henry Mills and Robert Carlyle as Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold.
In the season premiere episode, "Heart of the Truest Believer," as Emma, Mary Margaret, David, Regina, Mr. Gold and Hook enter Neverland to search for a kidnapped Henry, they're greeted by a school of not-to-friendly mermaids who threaten to end their search before it begins; Henry finds himself on the run from the Lost Boys with another escapee from Peter Pan's encampment; and Neal, recovering from his wounds, travels through the Enchanted Forest with Mulan in an attempt to learn the fates of Emma and Henry, on "Once Upon a Time," SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.
"Once Upon a Time" stars Ginnifer Goodwin as Snow White/Mary Margaret, Jennifer Morrison as Emma Swan, Lana Parrilla as the Evil Queen/Regina, Josh Dallas as Prince Charming/David, Emilie de Ravin as Belle, Colin O'Donoghue as Hook, Michael Raymond-James as Baelfire/Neal Cassidy, Jared S. Gilmore as Henry Mills and Robert Carlyle as Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold.
Guest starring are Sarah Bolger as Aurora, Jamie Chung as Mulan, Julian Morris as Prince Phillip, Ethan Embry as Greg Mendell, Sean Maguire as Robin Hood, Robbie Kay as fugitive boy, Sonequa Martin-Green as Tamara, Parker Croft as Felix, Natasha Wilson as mermaid, Dave Mathews as doctor and Joy Castro as nurse.
"Heart of the Truest Believer" was written by Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz and directed by Ralph Hemecker.
Episode 3.08 of Once Upon a Time will feature a flashback showing Robert Carlyle's characters father, Colin.
He will also appear in Episode 3.11.
He is described as dissatisfied, self-centered and ruthless. Source
CASTING & GUEST STARS
For Once Upon A Time episode 3.01 and recurring in several episodes, the roles of Rufio and Thief are being cast. Rufio is in his teens, and is a mischievous and devious Lost Boy, and the Thief is in his 30s and steals magic from Rumpelstiltskin in order to save someone he loves. Source.
OUAT are currently casting for the role of Violet. It’s a recurring role, starting in Episode 3.03. She is in her 20’s, and is a head-strong party girl and often lands in trouble due to her inability to pass up a challenge or a prank. Source
Dina: I am going through Once Upon a Time withdrawals. Got any scoop on what to expect?
A trip to a new land…possibly a permanent one! "They sort of set up that we are maybe heading to another land. They've teased that at the end of season two," Jennifer Morrison teases of season three. "I will be interested to see how we are all impacted by that new land. I think whenever we're in a place where everyone's relationships are impacted by their environment and it heightens the stakes for everyone, it becomes very interesting drama." Source
Question: Any intel on Once Upon a Time‘s casting of Peter Pan? —George
Ausiello: The role of Peter Pan will be played by… a dude! “I can confirm that it will be a male playing the part,” exec producer Adam Horowitz tells TVLine. Beyond that, “Anything to do with that casting we don’t want to talk about, because that would be a big spoiler. Our approach to Peter Pan is one we’re super-excited about. Since Season 1, the Peter Pan mythology was something we wanted to do, but we couldn’t because of the rights issues. Once they were dealt with, we were able to finally go to town and open that world up. We started with Captain Hook, and we knew we wanted to build to what we’re about to do in Season 3.” Source
What’s going to happen to Storybrooke on Once Upon a Time? —Lauren
NATALIE: Just because most of the ABC’s fairy-tale drama’s main characters went through a portal to Neverland does not mean we won’t be seeing Storybrooke next season. In fact, Emilie de Ravin, whose Belle has been left in charge of the town, confirms that she’ll continue to be a series regular in Season 3. The Lost alum also notes that even though Belle’s memories are allintact, it doesn’t mean she’ll write Mr. Gold off for his actions while she was Lacey. “She was going along with it though, so therefore you can’t blame him if you’re the one saying, ‘Kick that guy’s a—,” she says, noting that Belle will be devastated about his absence when the show returns. “But also she’ll gain her strength back and she’ll have to if she’s going to protect an entire town.” Source
Is it just me, or do you think Hook has feelings for Emma on Once Upon a Time? Any scoop on them would be awesome! –Kelley B
You know my stance on the whole Emma thing: What guy wouldn’t? But where Hook is concerned, seeing as he’s now on a journey with two eligible bachelorettes, the Jolly Roger might transform into the Love Boat. “It’s probably about time he sort of found another love in his life,” Colin O’Donoghue shared with me at season’s end. “But if it was a toss-up between [traveling companions] Regina or Emma, I’m not sure exactly who he’d go for.” Given that Emma is currently reeling from the loss of Neal, “Maybe he’ll have fun with Regina, while he’s waiting for Emma,” the pirate’s portrayer ventures. “Who knows!” Source
Do you have any scoop on the "home office" on Once Upon a Time? — Jennie
The home office wanted to destroy magic in our world, but that doesn't mean that Peter Pan isn't part of it. Speaking of the mysterious organization, executive producer Adam Horowitz promises pay-off. "We're going to explain pretty quickly what it is and how, as we showed in the finale, Greg and Tamara were unwittingly working for Peter Pan, and how that all connects." It was curious that they were so against magic, right? Source
Does Once Upon a Time plan on telling the current stories of the characters in Storybrooke, or will Season 3 focus on Neverland and the Enchanted Forest? –Ellie
In case my previous scoopage on this subject did not reassure you that, as the headline said, “Storybrooke will not be forgotten,” I just confirmed that Emilie de Ravin is still a series regular for Season 3. Thus, it sounds like Belle will certainly have Maine events of her own to deal with back home. Will Once Upon a Time explain how Mulan and Aurora helped Phillip get his soul back from the wraith? –JJ
Series cocreator Adam Horowitz confirms that yes, that burning question will be addressed during Season 3 — and likely on the sooner side, I reckon, since Jamie Chung and Sarah Bolger have midseason pilots (NBC’s Believe, ABC’s Mixology) to get to! Source.:
Question: Do you have any info on who will be Peter Pan in next season’s Once Upon a Time? —Wolf
Ausiello: As we previously reported, the producers are hoping to keep the casting of Peter Pan under wraps — maybe with an eye on a big Comic-Con reveal? But while on the subject of Neverland, the ABC drama is also filling the heavily recurring role of Rufio, aka the teenage leader of the Lost Boys. The character, per lore, is described as forever youthful, mischievous and harboring a penchant for clever games — but behind his playful façade lurks a petulant child twisted enough to destroy anyone who crosses his path. King Joffrey, call your agent! Question: Plz plz plz let me know when Once Upon a Time Season 3 starts! I’m addicted to this series and can’t wait to find out what happens next. –Logan
Ausiello: ABC — the last broadcaster to announce its fall premiere dates — isn’t in any rush to do so, so instead can I placate you with a plum piece of scoop? Sources tell me that Robin Hood will resurface in Season 3, but will be played by a different, yet-to-be-cast actor, seeing as Tom Ellis (Merlin) isn’t available for a recurring run. Who’s your pick to “rob” Ellis of his role? Anyone know what Matt Smith’s up to these days? Source
Tinker Bell's Turn
Clap your hands if you believe in fairies, Once Upon a Time fans! And if you clap loudly enough, you might just get to meet Tinker Bell. With the action moving from Storybrooke to Neverland in Season 3, Peter Pan's favorite fairy is expected to play a significant role. In keeping with Once tradition, viewers will discover that Tink shares a surprising connection to one of the regulars. I do believe in fairies! I do! I do! Source
Question: Are the rumors true about Once Upon a Time introducing Tinker Bell? —Bonnie
Ausiello: I’ll answer that question by describing to you the new character of Violet and letting you draw your own conclusions. How about that? Vi is a mischievous twentysomething whose penchant for troublemaking belies the heart of a true survivor. (Interesting side note, especially for Hook if she is Tinkerbell: She never lets a slight go unpunished!) Source
Do you have any Regina-related scoop for Once Upon a Time Season 3? –ZsaZsa
And how! With an eye on the upcoming run, series cocreator Adam Horowitz tells us, “We may find out that perhaps, just perhaps, there is a special someone out there for Regina.” Source
Peter Pan, a new Robin Hood, Lost Boys plural….. Should Once Upon a Time fans be worried that the main cast will be overshadowed by the Season 3 newbies? –Devin
I wouldn’t worry. I mean, we knew Peter Pan was coming, and where theres’ Pan, there are Lost Boys in the background. And Robin Hood, I suspect, will play a role on whats going on in the Fairytale Land That Is, probably impeding Neal’s return “home.” As series cocreator Adam Horowitz told me (after I suggested they’d be giving Belle new friends there in Storybrooke), “There will be some new characters, but for the most part were going to be focusing on our core group of regulars from Seasons 1 and 2. If characters do come in, it will, at least at first, be more akin to how we used Robin Hood in Season 2.” Source
Will we get a definitive explanation of the Home Office on Once Upon a Time? — Pedro
NATALIE: Yes, in the season premiere. "As we stated in the finale, Greg and Tamara don't know that they're working for Peter Pan," executive producer Adam Horowitz says. "So the Home Office is related to Pan, but that'll be cleared up pretty quickly." Oh, and it may have appeared that Ariel was in Storybrooke in that Comic-Con teaser, but the producers say that she'll actually be in Neverland. Source
How will they rescue Henry on Once Upon a Time? —Jennie
NATALIE: Snow White and Prince Charming will find themselves trying to set a good and noble example for their daughter Emma when they head to Neverland, lest she turn to other means to get Henry back. "If the Queen's got a better way to get Henry that may break the law, so be it. It's prison rules," says executive producer Adam Horowitz. That will be difficult for Snow, who is still struggling with her blackened heart. "This year, it's about finding the hope," he adds. "It's the hope that Snow White always brought to us. She's the light. I think she's going to see a lot of darkness and realize that the best thing she can do is return the light to not just her, but to get daughter and her husband." Source
theOUATspoiler: Can you ask the Once Upon a Time creators for a clue to who Tinkerbell has the special connection with that they mentioned at Comic Con?
Because we're in such a magical mood, we're going to sprinkle a little extra fairy dust on this answer! We recently caught up with the enchanted Once Upon a Time creators Eddy Kitsis and Adam Horowitz and they spilled that the newly cast Tinkerbell will have a connection to not one, but two characters aboard the Jolly Roger! (Cue the applause!) The fellas revealed that the iconic fairy and our swoon-worthy Captain Hook have a complicated Neverland history together, but we're still left guessing at Tink's other tie-in. So who could it be? The obvious choice would be that she's in Rumplestilskin's magical Rolodex, but we think it's going to be a bit more twisted than that. (Perhaps she's Charming's ex-girlfriend?! We kid, we kid!) Source
Question: I’d like to know more about the new season of Once Upon A Time! –Joe
Ausiello: Lost fans just might get a sense of Season 4 deja vu when the Jolly Roger drops anchor in Neverland, and its passengers ultimately face the decision of who to follow. “You’ve got five people on a ship who all think they’re leaders, so we’ll have to see how they react when they face their first obstacle,” series cocreator Eddy Kitsis hints. Adds Adam Horowitz, “Theres certainly some friction, but theres also a shared goal they have to achieve” — finding Henry. “The question is: Will they achieve it together, separately or at all?” Source
Do you have more details on Regina's love interest on Once Upon a Time? — Micah
NATALIE: We'll meet her love interest very early on in the season, which presumably means that he or she hails from Neverland. "It's a side of the character of Regina we've only touched upon in the first two seasons," executive producer Adam Horowitz says. "We're excited to see more of that and more importantly to explore her capacity for love." Does anyone else think she could be paired with him? Source
I’d like some Once Upon a Time scoop — especially about the “Boy Who Never Grew Up.” –Mason
You may be wondering, as I was, why Once‘s Peter Pan is a force “we all should fear”? (Or was Rumple overselling it?) “There’s a history between those two,” series cocreator Adam Horowitz affirms. “There is a big reason why he said if you’re going to be scared of someone, this is the guy to be scared of.” But there is also a degree of professional respect. “When you meet Pan, you’re going to see a very, very, very clever person,” says Eddy Kitsis. “And if there’s one thing Rumple admires, it’s somebody who has game.” Please help us, we are all dying here! What else can you say about Regina’s new love interest/”special someone” on Once Upon a Time? –Ana
Fine, fine. I doubled back with the boys and Horowitz said that this “someone” “becomes a part of the show very quickly” – within the first five episodes – “but in a way that you don’t expect.” Source
Sasha: Any Once Upon a Time spoilers?
We'll meet another one of Peter Pan's Lost Boys In episode 5: Devin, who has been in Neverland a long time and is extremely loyal to season 3's new big bad, but is competitive with his fellow boys as he's often overlooked. Green never looks good on anyone, Devin! Source
Question: Can we look forward to any substantial Snow/Emma scenes in Once Upon a Time Season 3? Also, is Snow finally going to get back to her warrior ways? –Christina
Ausiello: Yes, and thus yes. As mom and daughter brave Neverland together while still adjusting to their family dynamic, “In a lot of ways, Mary Margaret may not be able to bond with Emma, but Bandit Snow and Emma have a lot in common,” notes cocreator Eddy Kitsis. Meaning, going up against Peter Pan and his Lost Boys will bring bow-toting Snow to the fore. “David and Mary Margaret last year were saying, ‘We are both,’” Kitsis reminds. “But this year it’s, ‘We need Snow and Charming.’ That’s what this mission requires.” Source :star:
Will Once Upon a Time explain how Mulan and Aurora helped Philip get his soul back from the wraith, before they found an injured Baelfire? –JJ
In a word, kinda. “We’ll hint at it, but we probably aren’t going to show that [back]story for a while,” says cocreator Eddy Kitsis. For one, it’s not like Neal has reason to raise it as a conversation topic. But more importantly, Kitsis explains, “One of the things about Season 3 is we’ve really tried to focus on the core characters, including the six people on that boat and Neal. We do eventually want to get to that [Philip/wraith] story, but we’re coming out of the gate with the people on that boat.” Is there any way that Once Upon a Time‘s Ariel and Regina already met? Assuming that the “certain mermaid” Regina referred to in Episode 1×12, “Skin Deep,” was Ariel? –Mirza
I suspect you are onto something, though cocreator Adam Horowitz will only say that “we might” flash back to that aforementioned encounter during JoAnna Garcia’s turn as the Little Mermaid. Source. :star:
Anything you can reveal about Once Upon a Time with the premiere getting closer each day? — Steph, via Twitter
NATALIE: Emma will take a surprising leadership role when the ragtag group of friends and foes heads to Neverland. "She's surrounded by people who have been at each other's throats for different reasons and are continuing to be," Jennifer Morrison says. "But we are not going to be able to save Henry unless we all come together, so she has to be the voice of reason to overcome those differences. It's going to leave room for new alliances that we don't expect and also new conflicts." Source :star:
On Once Upon a Time, will the creators use the fact that Charming and Aurora recently were under sleeping curses and have them communicate with each other, maybe to let everyone know Bae is alive? – Patti
“They might!” answers series cocreator Eddy Kitsis. “I would certainly try it.” Now that Once Upon a Time has cast both Ariel and Eric, can you give us anything new on what their story might be? – Jacquelyn
I already slapped my theory onto the news story announcing Eric’s casting, but I can add this: Series cocreator Adam Horowitz, when asked to describe Once’s Ariel in three words, effectively evokes her classic characterization: “Adventurous. Spitfire. Romantic.” And then we joked about how the Little Mermaid had to move to Cleveland, because, well, Adam and I are nerdy Yankee fans. Source
In addition to shooting Season 2 of Revolution, a return to the land of fairy tales is coming for Esposito, who shot a return to Once Upon A Time the week after this interview was conducted. "I'm excited to go back," he says. "I think we have a character who still is very much in love with the Queen and doesn't understand why he's been in the dungeon for so long. I'm excited to be the Mirror. The Mirror, to me, is a little bit slicker than Sidney, and gives us clues into the eventuality of what relationships could be on that show. So, I can't tell you too much, but I hope to keep returning to that show, if we can have it work out." (Source) :star:
Title is fine by me. That's a lot fo what we're wondering too. If they can get along enough to save Henry.
sasijaha
09-13-2013 10:29 AM
Tftnt
Radames
09-13-2013 10:29 AM
Maybe they realized how bad they were that they're gonna re-do them or at least photoshop them better.
Rhonwen
09-13-2013 10:31 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Radames
(Post 71655154)
Maybe they realized how bad they were that they're gonna re-do them or at least photoshop them better.
Or they're going to take lessons from Ginny.. Her countdown pics have been great! except she's been focusing a bit on Josh. Not sure why lol
I_Love_Siobhan_Magnus
09-13-2013 10:38 AM
You know what? That group photo looks like Once's cast are put into Lost's set. Maybe they'll camp at the beach and fight with the bad guys at the barracks. :lol:
ElizaSparrow
09-13-2013 10:41 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rhonwen
(Post 71655150)
TFTNT
Title is fine by me. That's a lot fo what we're wondering too. If they can get along enough to save Henry.
Cool, thanks :hug: That's what I thought when I read it. I think we're all wondering how they'll work together, how Neal & Belle will come back into the picture too! :)
Quote:
Maybe they realized how bad they were that they're gonna re-do them or at least photoshop them better.
I think so! Even the french sites noticed they took it down :lol:
About the Lost feeling to the group photo, I haven't seen Lost so I can't tell! But I think it fits what Neverland will be like, I think it'll be a darker NVL than the one we usually know, and NVL is an Island after all, so ^^
Radames
09-13-2013 10:41 AM
Holy Crap the Once in Wonderland looks awesome. WTH happened to seniority? :lol:
Radames
09-13-2013 10:42 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rhonwen
(Post 71655174)
Or they're going to take lessons from Ginny.. Her countdown pics have been great! except she's been focusing a bit on Josh. Not sure why lol
Josh and Colin it seems from the latest one that puts them at 3 together. :lol:
She's promoting the Charming and Hook bromance, Starter and Clutch. ;)
I_Love_Siobhan_Magnus
09-13-2013 10:45 AM
Is there gonna be any flashback in the premiere? None of it is mentioned in the description.
Ginny and Mark Isham take great pics; they've helped a lot with building excitement for the new season. Really wondering what the promo shots will look like when they get re-posted.
Belleislove
09-13-2013 10:56 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by OUATKatya
(Post 71655503)
TFTNT! The title is great! :)
Ginny and Mark Isham take great pics; they've helped a lot with building excitement for the new season. Really wondering what the promo shots will look like when they get re-posted.
Do we know that they will get re-posted though? I'm not sure how much they can do if those are the photos they took. I would be surprised if they reshot the photos. I guess they could change the background maybe. I think they could have done a better job on the photos but I'm a little surprised that out of all the complaining the fans do, LOL, this is what they would do something about.
Quote:
Is there gonna be any flashback in the premiere? None of it is mentioned in the description.
I thought I read somewhere that the first episode will NOT have a flashback.
Randysgirl
09-13-2013 11:08 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by I_Love_Siobhan_Magnus
(Post 71655262)
You know what? That group photo looks like Once's cast are put into Lost's set. Maybe they'll camp at the beach and fight with the bad guys at the barracks. :lol:
One of the funniest comments I've read about the group pic was someone saying that it looked like Lost if the people on Oceanic 815 were heading to a renaissance fair. :lol:
