The magical world of 'Once Upon a Time' concluded its second season and fans are already looking ahead to the show's third season. 'Once' has captivated audiences so much, that network bosses at ABC have green-lighted a spinoff show called 'Once Upon a Time in Wonderland' for this fall. In the meantime, fans are anxiously waiting for information on what will happen to those left behind in Storybrooke and those traveling to the magical lands of Neverland and the Enchanted Forest.
During last season's finale, fans saw how Neal (Michael Raymond-James) was shot by his conniving fiancé Tamara (Soneque Martin-Green) and then transported back to the Enchanted Forest by one of the last remaining magical beans. Many believed him to be dead but news that Raymond-James has been picked up as a series regular points otherwise.
Neal, who just happens to be Emma's (Jennifer Morrison), Henry's (Jared Gilmore) dad and Mr. Gold's son (Robert Carlyle), will return to the series come fall series co-creator Adam Horowitz confirmed to TVLine. Neal's arrival in the Enchanted Forest will also see the return of Princess Aurora (Sarah Bolger), Mulan (Jamie Chung) and Prince Phillip (Julian Morris).
Fans may also be wondering about the future of Storybrooke. During the season finale, the show's key characters-Emma, Mary Margaret (Ginnifer Goodwin), David Nolan (Josh Dallas), Mr. Gold and Captain Hook (Colin O'Donoghue)-set out to Neverland in hopes of rescuing Henry from Tamara and Greg Mendell (Ethan Embry). Gold, who's better known as Rumpelstiltskin, left behind his love Belle (Emilie de Ravin) in charge of protecting the town's people.
However, that doesn't mean that Storybrooke will be forgotten. Horowitz also told TVLine that the show would "absolutely" visit the sleepy town again. "Some people got on a ship, some stayed behind," he told reporters. "And what happened to those who stayed behind is just as important as what's happening to those on the ship."
Although de Ravin is the only series regular left behind in Storybrooke, there will be some other key characters making appearances. Meghan Ory, who plays Ruby, was originally promoted to series regular but stepped down after getting her own show. But Ory told reporters, "Ruby will probably be back at some point. She never died, so she'll be somewhere."
Fellow Storybrooke resident Dr. Whale (David Anders) will also be back for the third season. As for what lies in store for the tiny Maine town and Belle? Horowitz said, "What's going to happen to her? Who's left with her? Who might she meet in Storybrooke? Those are all things that we intend to explore."
'Once Upon a Time' returns this fall to ABC.