Once Upon a Time: Season Seven Could “Reset” the ABC Series

Some big changes could be in store for Once Upon a Time. TVLine reports season seven of the ABC TV show could feature a different cast and storyline.

The fantasy drama is currently in its sixth season. The cast includes Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Morrison, Josh Dallas, Lana Parrilla, Emilie de Ravin, Colin O’Donoghue, Jared S. Gilmore, Rebecca Mader, and Robert Carlyle.

While ABC has not renewed the show for a seventh season yet, there have been some clues that if renewed the series could be “reset.” First, network boss Channing Dungey told Deadline last month that season six will mark the end of a phase for the series:

Regardless of what we decide to do at the end of this season, I think they think they [EPs Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis] would put a little bit of a bow here, and then there is a next piece that comes after that, so they are trying to figure out what that is and how that works.”

Later, star Jennifer Morrison mentioned her contract ended this spring and the future of the show is uncertain:

My contract ends in April on Once Upon a Time, I don’t know what that means. They haven’t picked up the show officially yet — they might, they might not. We are just waiting now to see if the network decides to continue with the show — and if they do continue with the show, if they’re going to rework it to be something else, or if they’re going to invite people to stay. We’re just in a holding pattern right now.”

Currently, Once Upon a Time is earning an average rating of 1.05 in the 18-49 demo and 3.529 million viewers. Compared to previous seasons, the ratings have declined considerably. Season five averaged a 1.37 rating and in the 18-49 demo and 4.40 million viewers.

Now, TVLine has acquired some casting information that sheds light on what season seven could be:

Namely, the May finale will introduce a pair of guest stars, both of whom have the potential to join the ensemble as series regulars if the show moves forward. First up, the fantasy drama is casting a “strong yet vulnerable” leading man in his late 20s to mid-30s, a gent who was once optimistic and hopeful but now is a friendless, cynical recluse. That said, he still possesses a dormant, deep-seated speak of hope that waits for the right person to reignite it.

The other role being cast is a precocious 10-year-old with a “constant twinkle of mischief in her eye.” And though this girl comes from a broken home, those struggles have only made her stronger — something which will come in handy when darkness threatens “everything she holds dear.” And while the character breakdown notes that this lass “never lets the hard knocks of life get her down,” you would be wrong to guess that she is a certain little orphan named Annie.”

What do you think? Do you watch Once Upon a Time? Do you want a seventh season?