The ONCE UPON A TIME universe is expanding with a fresh spin-off that has moved from rumor to official development. Fans across Canada and the United States will notice a shift in the tale as producers explore Wonderland before the curse, offering new stories that fit neatly into a beloved, ongoing fairy tale network. This development signals a broader commitment to reimagining the familiar world in ways that feel both nostalgic and new, inviting longtime viewers to revisit the roots while welcoming a new generation of fans into the fold.
Two talented actresses have signed on to anchor the cast, with the character of Alice selected to lead the ensemble. Sophie Lowe will portray Alice, a choice fans may recognize from the film Beautiful Kate. Her casting places a bright, curious, and resilient heroine at the center of a story that promises both wonder and danger, tailored to resonate with audiences across North America who grew up with the original series and are curious about where this prequel tale will wander next.
The newest member of the cast is Emma Rigby, who is to be playing the role of the Red Queen, not to be confused with the Queen of Hearts. Although she has usually focused on acting in England, viewers may recognize Emma from her starring roles in Holly Oaks and Prisoners’ Wives. Her presence brings a bold, regal energy to Wonderland, hinting at political intrigue and power struggles that could enrich the pre-curtain moments of the world’s most famous fairy tale setting.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN WONDERLAND is a series about the pre-cursed Wonderland. It will follow Alice, an innocent young girl with a difficult life, as she goes on her adventures in Wonderland. The narrative aims to peel back the layers of a world that fans thought they already knew, offering a grounded look at the origins of the strange and magical spaces that appear in the main series, while maintaining a distinctly North American sensibility for audiences in Canada and the United States.
The show hasn’t officially been picked up by a network, but if it does, the show will be told in a 13-episode anthology format, which means that each season of the show will follow a different story line. This approach would allow writers to explore a range of characters and scenarios within the same magical universe, giving viewers a chance to see familiar landmarks from fresh angles and meet new faces who fit into the overarching mythology without being tied to a single, linear arc.
A fan favourite, Barbara Hershey, who plays Cora in the original ONCE UPON A TIME television series, is someone that many people are hoping will make an appearance in this spin-off due to her character’s death in ONCE UPON A TIME. The prospect of a cameo or a retrospective nod would spark excitement among many long-time watchers who remember Cora as a pivotal catalyst in the original drama, and such a return could bridge the two series in delightful, audience-pleasing ways.
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