ABC series Once Upon A Time is nearing the end of season 6, and it’s been unclear for quite some time how season 7 would move forward. After all it’s been rumoured that original cast members Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas had approached season 6 as their final year on the show, and in January ABC president Channing Dungey hinted that season 7 could be a reboot of the franchise. Now original cast member Jennifer Morrison has taken to social media to reveal that she will not be returning to the series on a full time basis next year.
Morrison posted on Instagram this morning the following statement. “As I reached the end of my 6 year contract on ONCE UPON A TIME, I was faced with a significant decision. ABC, Eddy Kitsis, and Adam Horowitz very generously invited me to continue as a series regular. After very careful consideration, I have decided that creatively and personally, it is time for me to move on. Emma Swan is one my favorite characters that I have ever played. My 6 years on ONCE UPON A TIME has changed my life in the most beautiful ways. I am absolutely blown away by the passion and commitment of the Oncer fans. I am so honored to have been a central part of such a special show. I will be forever grateful to Adam, Eddy, and ABC for giving me the gift of playing Emma Swan. As I move on to other creative endeavors, I will continue to attend the fan conventions whenever my professional schedule allows. I always look forward meeting the fans. If ABC Network does in fact order a season 7, I have agreed to appear in one episode, and I will most certainly continue to watch ONCE UPON A TIME. The creativity of the show runners has always inspired me, and I cannot wait to see the ways that they continue to develop and reinvent the show. #Onceuponatime #EmmaSwan #UglyDucklings”
The contracts for the original cast members are all up at the end of the season, but they had been approached to do a seventh season. Word is that Lana Parrilla (Regina) and Robert Carlyle (Mr. Gold) as well as Colin O’Donoghue (Hook) are all leaning towards returning, but if they do it’s unclear what their roles would be in a series reboot. It’s unclear if Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas will be back. The pair got married and had two children while appearing on the show. Like Morrison they could appear on a part time basis.
The two-hour season 6 finale airs this upcoming Sunday from 8-10 PM.
Photo: Jennifer Morrison Instagram