Once Upon a Time returns for Season 5B on Sunday, March 6. So let’s celebrate the ABC fairy tale’s return by discussing which old characters are returning, and all of the new faces who will be popping up in Storybrooke and/or the Underworld during the second half of Season 5.
Cora
She’s back! That’s right, Cora, aka Regina’s mother, will be seen in the Underworld. Does that really surprise fans? As reported by Entertainment Weekly, Barbara Hershey will reprise her villainous role in the 100th episode. For those who need a refresher, last fans saw Cora was when Snow embraced her dark side and killed her. I can only imagine how her reunion with her daughter and Snow will go.
Cruella de Vil
Cruella de Vil won’t be seen in the 100th episode, but she will show up in multiple episodes throughout Season 5B. In Season 4, Cruella (played by Victoria Smurfit) met her demise after Emma killed her.
Peter Pan
Oh, Peter Pan. OUAT definitely wouldn’t be the same without Robbie Kay’s character. Well, Peter is returning for the 100th episode, per Entertainment Weekly, and will surely make a bang. Like many other villains, Peter was killed. Before he was able to turn Storybrooke into the new Neverland, Rumple killed Peter (his father) and himself to save the town.
Captain Silver
Sorry, Hook, but there’s another sea captain coming to OUAT. Costas Mandylor will play Captain Silver, Entertainment Tonight reported. It’s unclear when he’ll make his debut, but it appears that Silver has quite the history with Hook, aka Killian Jones.
Cleo
As reported by TV Line, Heroes Reborn star Rya Kihlstedt is playing Cleo, a woman who ties into Emma’s past. She’ll first appear in Episode 20, titled “Firebird,” and will be seen via flashback. Not only is she a bail bondsperson, but is described as a “no-nonsense woman who has pulled herself out of a rough early life and trusts her instincts above all else.” She is also said to have “a tough exterior [that] hides a strong nurturing side that isn’t often given a chance to come out.” Cleo was also a mentor to Emma, before she came to Storybrooke and became a bail bondsperson.
Dorothy
OUAT fans may recall that Dorothy first popped up in Season 3 (and was played by Matreya Scarrwener). Now, Dorothy is returning in Episode 16 and will be played by Terri Reeves, TV Line reports. Dorothy is all grown up and has transformed into a “brave warrior for good.” In Season 5B, Dorothy heads back to Oz to save the city from the most wicked of witches.
Hades
After much speculation, Hades will be part of the Underworld, Entertainment Weekly finally revealed. And as TV Line unveiled, Greg Germann is taking on the fiery new role, which was originally dubbed “The Distinguished Gentleman.” He will make his debut in the 100th episode and will be featured throughout the remainder of Season 5.
Gaston
Yes, Gaston is returning, but he will have a different face. As Variety reported, Wes Brown is now playing Gaston. He’ll appear in an episode exploring Belle’s life before Rumple was a part of it. Prior to Brown, Sage Brocklebank (left) portrayed Gaston.
Neal Cassidy
With so many familiar faces returning, this one will probably excite OUAT fans the most. Michael Raymond-James is coming back as Neal Cassidy. TV Line revealed the thrilling news that Neal will show up in the 100th episode. Details surrounding Neal’s reappearance are being kept under wraps, but he could easily show up via flashback, in the Underworld or maybe, just maybe, he’ll be resurrected somehow.
Hercules
With Hades showing his face, of course Hercules will also make an appearance. Played by The X-Files‘ Jonathan Whitesell, TV Line reveals that Hercules will appear in Episode 13, titled “Labor of Love.” He is described as “a dashing, strapping young man [who is] single-minded in his pursuit of his destiny: to be the greatest hero who ever lived. All that changes, however, when he falls in love with a beautiful princess.”
Megara
Like Hercules, TV Line reveals that Megara will also be a part of OUAT and will show up in Episode 13, as well. Portrayed by Hannibal‘s Kacey Rohl, Megara is described as “a plucky young adventurer with a sly sense of humor and a tough, no-nonsense spirit. And though she has spent a long time languishing in a dungeon, her inner spark has not burned out. Rather, it is waiting for the right opportunity to shine brightly again.”
James
If you forgot, Charming/David had a twin brother. It’s unclear when he’ll appear, but OUAT‘s co-creators Eddy Kitsis and Adam Horowitz told Entertainment Weekly that David’s twin, James, will indeed show up in the Underworld.
Prince Henry
Just like Regina’s mother, her father, Prince Henry, is also popping up in the 100th episode, Entertainment Weekly unveiled. Of course, details surrounding his return are unclear. Fans know Henry best for when Regina ripped his heart out to create the Dark Curse.
Young Snow White
Bailee Madison is also returning to the world of OUAT as young Snow White. TV Line unveiled that she will appear in the same episode as Hercules and Megara.
Sidney Glass
The 100th episode will also see the return of Giancarlo Esposito’s Sidney, aka the Magic Mirror, Entertainment Weekly reported. I’m sure his reunion with Regina will be one for the books.
The Blind Witch
As Entertainment Tonight reports, Emma Caulfield will reprise her role of the Blind Witch for the special 100th episode. She made her debut in the first season, where she was featured in the episode about Hansel and Gretel. Like the children’s story goes, the Blind Witch did not survive and ended up being burned alive in her own oven. I think it’s safe to say she’ll most likely pop up in the Underworld.
Young Zelena and young Regina
If you wanted to see a different side to Regina and Zelena, here you go. As TV Line reported, fans will finally see young Regina (Ava Acres) and young Zelena (Isabella Blake-Thomas). They will be featured in Episode 19, appropriately titled “Sisters.” It seems likely that Cora will also appear, since she is their mother. Anyways, young Regina, 10, is said to be “neglected and lonely, with zero interest in her mother’s royal duties,” whereas young Zelena, 12, is described as someone who is “coming to terms with the magical ability her father despises so much.”
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