The Magic Continues: 7 'Once Upon A Time' Stars And Their Blockbuster 2025 Projects

The enchantment of Storybrooke may have faded from our screens, but the careers of the actors who brought our favorite fairytale characters to life are thriving more than ever. It has been several years since the final chapter of Once Upon a Time aired, yet the curiosity surrounding the main cast—the saviors, the villains, and the charming princes—remains at an all-time high. As of today, December 14, 2025, the stars are busy with major new television roles, blockbuster sequels, and exciting ventures behind the camera, proving that their 'happily ever after' is a professional one.

From a John Grisham adaptation to a highly anticipated animated sequel, the former residents of Storybrooke are making waves across the entertainment industry. This deep dive reveals the most current, up-to-date projects, and personal milestones for the core cast, including major convention appearances scheduled for 2025.

The Core Storybrooke Seven: A Look at Their 2025 Careers and Biographies

The main cast of Once Upon a Time has successfully transitioned from their iconic fairytale roles into a variety of compelling new projects. Here is a look at the key players and their latest updates, alongside a brief biographical profile.

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• Jennifer Morrison (Emma Swan / The Savior)
  • Born: April 12, 1979 (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Role on OUAT: Emma Swan, the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming, and the Savior.
  • Key Career Milestone: Dr. Allison Cameron on House (2004–2012).
  • Current Status: Actress, Director, Producer.
• Lana Parrilla (Regina Mills / The Evil Queen)
  • Born: July 15, 1977 (Brooklyn, New York)
  • Role on OUAT: Regina Mills, the mayor of Storybrooke and the powerful Evil Queen.
  • Key Career Milestone: Sarah Gavin on 24 and Eva on Miami Medical.
  • Current Status: Actress, Activist.
• Robert Carlyle (Rumplestiltskin / Mr. Gold / The Dark One)
  • Born: April 14, 1961 (Maryhill, Glasgow, Scotland)
  • Role on OUAT: Rumplestiltskin, the immortal, manipulative, and powerful Dark One.
  • Key Career Milestone: Begbie in Trainspotting (1996) and Gary in The Full Monty (1997).
  • Current Status: Actor, Director.
• Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow White / Mary Margaret Blanchard)
  • Born: May 22, 1978 (Memphis, Tennessee)
  • Role on OUAT: Snow White, the exiled princess and David Nolan's wife.
  • Key Career Milestone: Judy Hopps in Zootopia (2016) and Margene Heffman in Big Love.
  • Current Status: Actress, Voice Artist.
• Josh Dallas (Prince Charming / David Nolan)
  • Born: December 18, 1978 (Louisville, Kentucky)
  • Role on OUAT: Prince Charming, the heroic love interest of Snow White.
  • Key Career Milestone: Fandral in Thor (2011) and Ben Stone in Manifest (2018–2023).
  • Current Status: Actor, Producer.
• Colin O'Donoghue (Captain Hook / Killian Jones)
  • Born: January 26, 1981 (Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland)
  • Role on OUAT: Captain Hook, the pirate-turned-hero and Emma Swan's true love.
  • Key Career Milestone: Duke Philip in The Rite (2011).
  • Current Status: Actor, Musician.
• Rebecca Mader (Zelena / The Wicked Witch of the West)
  • Born: April 24, 1977 (Cambridge, England)
  • Role on OUAT: Zelena, the Wicked Witch and Regina's half-sister.
  • Key Career Milestone: Charlotte Lewis on Lost.
  • Current Status: Actress, Podcaster.

Lana Parrilla's Return to TV Drama and the 'Evil Queen' Reboot Buzz

Lana Parrilla, who masterfully played the complex role of Regina Mills (The Evil Queen), has secured a major return to a high-profile television series for 2025, thrilling fans of her dramatic work. She is set to star in the new USA Network drama series, The Rainmaker, based on the classic John Grisham novel. Parrilla will take on the role of Jocelyn “Bruiser” Stone, a powerful and intriguing character that promises to showcase her dramatic intensity, a trait she perfected as the Evil Queen.

Beyond her new role, Parrilla has been the subject of significant fan speculation regarding a potential Once Upon a Time reboot. In a recent interview, the 48-year-old actress openly stated that she would be "ready to play The Evil Queen again" if the opportunity arose. This enthusiasm, coupled with her upcoming appearance alongside other former cast members at major 2025 conventions like ECCC, has fueled the hope for a return to Storybrooke amongst the loyal fanbase.

Jennifer Morrison Switches Focus to Directing Major TV Hits

While Emma Swan was the Savior of Storybrooke, Jennifer Morrison is now becoming a savior behind the camera, solidifying her career as a respected director. Her work in 2025 is heavily focused on directing critically acclaimed television series. Morrison has been tapped to return to the director's chair for an episode of the highly anticipated *Yellowjackets* Season 3, which is set to premiere in 2025. This follows her previous directorial work on shows like *Dr. Death*, further establishing her skill and creativity behind the lens.

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Her focus on directing demonstrates a strategic pivot in her career, moving beyond the iconic roles of Emma Swan and Dr. Allison Cameron on *House*. Despite the shift, Morrison has also hinted at an upcoming return to acting, ensuring her presence remains strong on both sides of the camera. Fans are eagerly awaiting her next on-screen appearance, but for now, her directorial efforts on prestige television are her major 2025 headline.

The Charming Family's Blockbuster Sequel and Robert Carlyle's Film Projects

The real-life and on-screen couple, Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow White) and Josh Dallas (Prince Charming), continue to share professional space, much to the delight of their fans. Ginnifer Goodwin’s biggest 2025 project is a return to her successful voice acting career. She is reprising her beloved role as Judy Hopps in the highly anticipated animated sequel, Zootopia 2, which is expected to hit theaters in November 2025. The couple recently made a public appearance with their two children at the *Zootopia 2* premiere, showcasing their charming family life.

Josh Dallas, meanwhile, is reportedly working on several new projects, including a new television series and a film, following his successful run as Ben Stone on the popular NBC/Netflix series *Manifest*. While specific details are under wraps, Dallas's move into producing alongside acting suggests an expanding professional portfolio. Both actors have also expressed that they "would love to go back" to the world of Once Upon a Time for a potential reboot, echoing Lana Parrilla's sentiments.

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In other major cast news, Robert Carlyle (Rumplestiltskin) continues his prolific and diverse film career. His upcoming movie credits for 2025 include the drama *The Performance*, which is currently listed as in post-production. This follows his 2024 film *North of Normal* and his work in the critically acclaimed sequel series *The Full Monty*. Carlyle's ability to seamlessly transition between major film and television projects keeps him one of the most respected actors from the *Once Upon a Time* ensemble.

The Villains and Heroes Unite: 2025 Convention Reunions

For fans eager to see their favorite Storybrooke residents together again, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of major reunions. Several key cast members are scheduled to appear at major comic and fan conventions throughout the year, offering a fresh opportunity for fans to connect with the stars.

• Colin O'Donoghue (Captain Hook): The actor behind the beloved pirate is scheduled for appearances at both Dragon Con 2025 and ECCC 2025, continuing his strong connection with the fanbase.
• Rebecca Mader (Zelena / Wicked Witch) and Sean Maguire (Robin Hood): This fan-favorite duo, along with Lana Parrilla and Colin O'Donoghue, are confirmed for a major cast reunion panel at ECCC 2025 in Seattle. Mader is also scheduled for the Colorado Springs Comic Con 2025. These events are a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of the show and the close bonds formed by the actors.

The continued high-profile work and frequent public reunions of the Once Upon a Time cast demonstrate that the magic of Storybrooke is far from over. Whether it's through a new role in a major TV drama like *The Rainmaker*, a directorial gig on a hit series like *Yellowjackets*, or a return to a beloved animated franchise like *Zootopia 2*, the stars are ensuring their fairytales continue to unfold in the real world.