The world ofOnce Upon a Timehas once again expanded with the introduction of the Land of Untold Stories.
Despite an influx of new faces, the season really puts a focus back on small town stories.
She is absolutely going to be as evil if not more evil than we remember, Kitsis says.
Credit: ABC
Pro tip: Avoid apples!
EDWARD KITSIS:They are mostly filled with stories that have yet to be told.
There are people who ran there for a reason and were content with it.
There were people who were frightened.
Tell us about some of the new faces well be meeting this year as a result.
KITSIS:Were seeing Jafar.
What can you tease about Aladdin?
KITSIS:As we showed at Comic-Con, we teased that he was the Savior.
So we can say that through Aladdin we might learn a lot more about Saviors.
We are going to be seeing a lot of our version of Aladdins story in the first five episodes.
And Jasmine (Karen David)?
Shes a princess with a mission.
And youll get more into Hyde?
We will be doing our version of Jekyll and Hyde within the first five.
How does Jekyll feel about all of this?
KITSIS:Ill tell you how he feels: frightened.
Well also meet Morpheus (Giles Matthey).
ADAM HOROWITZ:Well, that I think the premiere will explain itself.
Our take on Morpheus and what were doing with that character is unveiled in the premiere.
KITSIS:And it probably isnt what you think it is.
Well, if it is what you think it is, you really caught us.
HOROWITZ:There are some surprises in store for Morpheus.
And for the Count of Monte Cristo?
KITSIS:Well, the Count of Monte Cristo is a perfect character for the Land of Untold Stories.
He has a very interesting connection to a few of our friends in the Enchanted Forest.
Because of the Land of Untold Stories, will we see untold stories from characters we already know?
KITSIS:We have Archie (Raphael Sbarge) coming back.
HOROWITZ:Emma is going to be his patient and hes going to be helping through her difficult times.
Dr. Whale is coming back for an episode.
KITSIS:Its a cameo, its a small thing, we just love David Anders.
KITSIS:Lets just say mad scientists get together.
Lets turn to the main characters.
What are we seeing for Emma this year?
Its going to be front and center.
KITSIS:Were going to further see the toll all this fighting is taking on Emma.
What does that level of responsibility and power actually do to someone?
Thats the jumping off point for Emma this year.
How about for Snow White?
She is in charge of an entire kingdom, and now she wants to find some level of normalcy.
What does that mean?
How do you find that?
How do you rule?
KITSIS:Shes coming to the realization that there is no definitive happy ending this is their happy ending.
HOROWITZ:The Evil Queen cannot just be hovering out there and not be menacing.
KITSIS:Weve seen a lot of growth from Regina.
Weve seen her fight her inner demons.
We literally saw her split her inner demons.
Zelena (Rebecca Mader)?
I think that being a mother has affected her, and has made her grow in some ways.
But at the same time, Zelena is the Wicked Witch.
That is a part of her.
Shes done terrible things.
Rumpelstiltskin (Robert Carlyle)?
We know that theyre in a bad place, and I think its only going to get messier.
Rumple and Belle are at a crossroads.
So how can he reconcile those two parts of himself that seem to be at war with each other?
At the same time, I think Belle is also on a search to find her place.
She doesnt want to just be tied in with Rumple.
Her feelings toward Rumple are ones of anger, but yet they have this child together.
KITSIS:Henry is growing into a hero, and I think thats what were seeing.
Will that operation have a name?
HOROWITZ:There is a new operation name and it will be revealed in the premiere.
How about for Hook (Colin ODonoghue)?
We are planning to delve more into Hooks past.
What are some of the themes that you guys are exploring this season?
KITSIS:Some of the things that were exploring are what is a happy ending?
Were exploring fate, destiny, the future, what does that future mean?
We are also really exploring the demons within ourselves.
Well see Regina is literally facing herself, but I think that could apply to anyone.
This really is a family that has come together.
If theres one thing the Evil Queen hates its Snow White Snow White and other peoples happiness.
Snow and Charming are the original characters we fell in love with.
What would you say is going to surprise us about their story this year?
KITSIS:Well, its hard to say what would surprise you about this story this year.
HOROWITZ:Without giving away the surprise.
Lastly, will the dwarves finally get a story this year?
KITSIS:Oh, 100 percent.
You are absolutely going to see Leroy (Lee Arenberg) and the dwarves are back at it.
Were going to learn the fate of Dopey.
Once Upon a Timereturns Sunday at 8 p.m.
Check out a sneak peek from the premiere:
