Once Upon a Time: Season Seven; Wicked Star Talks About Her Departure

Jennifer Morrison, Ginnifer Goodwin, and Josh Dallas aren’t the only vets leaving the Once Upon a Time TV show, after Sunday’s season six finale, “The Final Battle.” Lost alum Rebecca Mader, who plays Regina’s (Lana Parrilla) Wicked-inspired sister, Zelena, is also hopping on her broomstick and leaving Storybrooke behind, but unlike Morrison, the exit was not her choice.

Last night, ABC renewed Once Upon a Time for season seven. Stars Parrilla, Robert Carlyle, and Colin O’Donoghue will remain, and other new cast members will be introduced, including Adam J. West. After the seventh season renewal, Mader released a statement, regarding her departure.

On Instagram, Mader wrote:

To my Darling Pretties,

First of all I would like to start by congratulating Adam, Eddie, Lana, Bobby and Colin on the pick up of Once Upon A Time! I am truly happy for you all and most importantly for the fans that will get to keep tuning in each week to see where they will take us.

A lot of you have been asking if I will be joining everyone in Season 7, so I wanted to let you know personally that unfortunately I am not. This wasn’t my choice but a creative decision of the shows that I totally respect and understand.

The most important thing is that you all know how much you mean to me. I am told frequently both online and in person that by being a part of such a special show I have in some way changed someone’s life. This is hugely meaningful to me. I am here to let you know that I am the one who has been changed. Not just by playing such a well written multi-dimensional character but by the fandom itself. I have heard your stories, your pain, your struggles, your achievements and I have truly felt you. I have learned. I have grown. I am a better person because of you, the fans and everyone that blessed me with this opportunity to play such an iconic role.

Congrats all and thank you! I look forward to the next. I invite you to come with me on this journey.

I am forever changed. And I’m wicked. And Wicked Always Wins.

Forever yours,

Bex

Sometimes, social media posts disappear, so we’ve copied the text above (and inserted a few eye-sparing paragraph breaks), but here’s Mader’s actual Instagram entry:

 

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What do you think? Will you still watch the seventh season of Once Upon a Time, even with so many of the main cast members departing? Let us know, below.