New Characters Are Coming to ‘Once Upon a Time’

The ABC Disney-inspired drama is adding some new characters to its roster. Once Upon a Time will delve into more of the fabled world and draw inspiration from the story of The Sword in the Stone. Get ready to see knights, swords, and of course, more magic. Once Upon a Time is also bringing to life a recent outspoken red-haired princess, Merida from Brave. Merida will be played by Scottish actress Amy Manson, who has been featured in television shows such as Misfits and Being Human.

British actor Liam Garrigan has been cast as King Arthur; Joana Metrass will play Guinevere; British actor Elliot Knight will take up the role of Merlin; Sinqua Walls, who you may recognize from Teen Wolf, will play Lancelot; and Wayward Pines alum Andrew Jenkins will play Percival.

If you’re a fan of the Wicked Witch of the West, you will be happy to know that Rebecca Mader, who plays Zelena, has been promoted to a series regular. Sean Maguire, the one who steals from the rich and gives to the poor, has been promoted as well. We can plan on seeing more drama between the threesome, which includes sisters Regina and Zelena, plus Robin Hood. Maguire strongly believes that Regina and Robin’s love will make it through this season, even though Robin was tricked into having a baby with Regina’s evil sister.

“They have already been through so much that if I was a betting, man I would say they’re probably going to stay together,” he said. Michael Socha will not be returning to the show, so that leaves the door wide open for Rumpelstiltskin, played by Robert Carlyle, to swoop in and steal Belle’s heart once again. “ I would be surprised if the writers let this relationship go,” Carlyle said. He adds that he doesn’t foresee them rekindling the flame in the first half of the season, but probably in the second half.

As you can see from the promotional images and the huge cliffhanger, Dark Swan will play a huge role in season five. Emma Swan has gone to the dark side, and everyone will be working to reverse the dark magic that has changed her, including her parents Snow and Charming.

What will Storybrooke do without its savior? How will this impact the relationship between Emma and Hook? How does Merida fit into all of this? Watch the season premiere on September 27 on ABC to find out all the answers.