Once Upon a Time was a popular TV series that reimagined classic fairy tales with an extensive ensemble of heroes and villains. Spanning seven seasons, it breathed life into numerous beloved characters from Disney, folklore, and literature. Actors like Lana Parrilla and Robert Carlyle are still associated with their unforgettable roles as Regina Mills/The Evil Queen and Rumplestiltskin respectively. Some had brief yet impactful appearances in the enchanting town of Storybrooke. After the show ended, many of these early actors have continued to rise in fame, sometimes eclipsing their initial magical roles.
Discovering ten talented performers who graced the small-screen town of Storybrooke, previously known for their roles as Marvel superheroes and popular Netflix characters.
1) Sebastian Stan as Jefferson/The Mad Hatter
Fans adored Sebastian Stan’s depiction of the enigmatic and sorrowful Mad Hatter, Jefferson. Tormented by the loss of his daughter, Grace, Jefferson’s tale was deeply moving. He was a man wrestling with the magical reminiscences of Wonderland versus the ordinary life of Storybrooke, cursed to grasp the truth about his true existence. His persistent efforts to reconnect with his young daughter made him a multifaceted and compassionate character, particularly when he was cruelly separated from her in Wonderland. His hat-making abilities were an essential aspect of his personality, enabling him to traverse different worlds.
After his captivating performance on “Once Upon a Time”, Sebastian Stan achieved worldwide fame by portraying Bucky Barnes, or the Winter Soldier, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He made his debut in “Captain America: The First Avenger” and has since played a significant role within the franchise, appearing in multiple films like the latest “Thunderbolts” and the upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday”.
2) Giancarlo Esposito as The Genie/The Magic Mirror
Giancarlo Esposito played two significant roles in the series with his characteristic intensity and weight, embodying both the Genie from Aladdin and the Magic Mirror. In the character of the Genie, he was confined within a lamp, developing affection for The Evil Queen who manipulated him into plotting against the king. Desperate to stay by her side, he wished to become the classic Magic Mirror. As the Magic Mirror, he became the Queen’s devoted servant and crucial provider of information in the Enchanted Forest while also spying on the inhabitants of Storybrooke as Sidney Glass, relaying their activities back to her. His powerful presence made him a standout character during the early seasons of the show.
Currently, Giancarlo Esposito is widely admired for his remarkable portrayals of villainous characters on television. He’s particularly famous as Gustavo “Gus” Fring, the cunning and merciless drug lord from Breaking Bad and its spin-off series, Better Call Saul, a role that has garnered him several Emmy nominations and high praise. Additionally, he has gained more popularity for his role as Moff Gideon in the Star Wars series Star Wars: The Mandalorian, where once again, he dominated every scene with his exceptional acting skills.
3) Jamie Dornan as The Huntsman
Jamie Dornan portrayed The Huntsman, a character who was both a romantic interest for Emma Swan and a faithful servant to the Evil Queen. In the Enchanted Forest, he demonstrated exceptional hunting skills by sparing Snow White’s life, a decision that ultimately led to Regina taking his heart as retribution. In Storybrooke, he was recognized as Sheriff Graham, a respected authority figure whose backstory was entangled in the curse. He found himself torn between his affection for Emma and allegiance to Regina.
Jamie Dornan initially gained noteworthy recognition, albeit briefly, for his role on Once Upon a Time. However, he is now globally recognized due to his starring role as Christian Grey in the Fifty Shades of Grey movie trilogy. This part propelled him to superstardom and solidified his status as a global heartthrob. Since then, he has appeared in critically acclaimed films like Belfast, for which he received a Golden Globe nomination, and the television series The Fall.
4) Jamie Chung as Mulan
Jamie Chung’s depiction of Mulan was both impactful and motivational. A talented warrior and devoted friend, Mulan proved to be an invaluable ally to Prince Philip and eventually Princess Aurora. Her story was one of personal growth, valor, and affection, and she was a formidable defender for those she held dear. Furthermore, her character marked a significant milestone for the series by introducing one of its first openly LGBTQ+ characters, who developed a complex and unrequited love for Princess Aurora.
Ever since appearing on that show, Jamie Chung has garnered widespread recognition as an actress, both in movies and TV shows. She’s taken on several notable roles, one of them being Valerie Vale in the hit series Gotham. Additionally, she’s delved into voice acting, providing her skills to various animated productions, including voicing Go Go Tomago in Big Hero 6.
5) Tom Ellis as Robin Hood
Prior to securing the lead part on Lucifer, Tom Ellis had only appeared once as Robin Hood during Season 2. His depiction was captivating and appealing, leaving an indelible mark as the iconic bandit. His character’s narrative subtly suggested a potential romance with Regina, the Evil Queen, a development that would later evolve into a significant plotline for the series, albeit with another actor portraying the role.
Currently, Tom Ellis is widely recognized by many households due to his breakout performance as the lead character in the popular Netflix show “Lucifer.” Initially airing on Fox, this series depicts the devil living among us in LA, assisting with police investigations. His captivating, clever, and strikingly attractive portrayal of the fallen angel has amassed a huge fanbase and international acclaim for him.
6) Emilie de Ravin as Belle
Emilie de Ravin’s characterization of Belle played a significant role in one of the series’ longest-lasting love stories. Much like her animated counterpart, she was compassionate, wise, and deeply passionate about books. Unlike the traditional tale of Beauty and the Beast, she saw the potential for redemption in the cursed Rumplestiltskin. Her story was marked by a steadfast faith in love and opportunities for change. Belle was instrumental in helping Rumple discover his humanity, making her one of the show’s most cherished heroines due to her resilience and bravery.
Before starring on “Once Upon a Time”, Emilie de Ravin had already made a name for herself through her role as Claire Littleton on the widely praised series “Lost”. After “Once Upon a Time” ended, she has largely stayed away from public attention, but has still been involved in various projects, such as the movie “The Submarine Kid” and the TV show “The Rookie”, where she worked alongside her former co-star Josh Dallas once more.
7) Ginnifer Goodwin as Snow White
From the start, Ginnifer Goodwin played an essential role in the cast, embodying the legendary Snow White. Her character was a strong, compassionate, and tenacious ruler, always ready to shield her loved ones and her realm. The narrative arc of the series revolved around her, delving into the intricate dynamics between her and the Evil Queen, her stepmother, as well as her steadfast affection for her daughter, Emma, and her spouse, Prince Charming.
Ever since her stint on “Once Upon a Time,” Ginnifer Goodwin has been consistently active in both television and movie industries. She’s garnered significant recognition with various roles, one of them being the voice of Judy Hopps, the lead character, in the blockbuster Disney animated film “Zootopia.” Additionally, she has appeared on the CBS All Access series “Why Women Kill” and the Fox comedy series “Pivoting.
8) Josh Dallas as Prince Charming/David
In simpler terms, Josh Dallas played the character David Nolan in Storybrooke, who had forgotten his past life. In his original world, he was Prince Charming, known for his steadfast love for Snow White (Mary Margaret, unknown to both). As a farmer’s son in the Enchanted Forest, he ascended to the position of prince after his brother’s death. Throughout the series, David’s transformation and his strong relationships with Mary Margaret and their daughter Emma were central themes, making him an essential hero in the storyline.
Following his exit from “Once Upon a Time,” Josh Dallas secured the main character role of Ben Stone in the NBC/Netflix series, “Manifest.” This show gained massive popularity upon its move to Netflix and tells the story of airline passengers who inexplicably reappear five years after being presumed deceased. The program’s success has significantly increased his recognition among a broader audience. Previously, he portrayed Fandral in the initial “Thor” film, eventually passing the role on to Zachary Levi.
9) Millie Bobby Brown as Alice
In a departure from the original series, Millie Bobby Brown made a brief yet impactful appearance in the short-lived spinoff, “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland.” She portrayed a young Alice in a flashback scene, demonstrating her talent and emotional range at an early age. The purity of her character and her magical adventure played a crucial role in fleshing out the backstory for the main Alice in the series, providing a unique insight into a pre-fame Millie Bobby Brown.
Currently, Millie Bobby Brown is a globally recognized young actress, largely due to her lead role as Eleven in the cultural sensation known as Stranger Things. Her performance as the super-powered character has garnered her numerous Emmy nominations and solidified her status as an international star. Beyond Stranger Things, she has also appeared in significant films such as Enola Holmes and Godzilla: King of the Monsters.
10) Rose McGowan as Cora Mills
In a significant turn, Rose McGowan portrayed the younger version of Cora Mills, who eventually transforms into the notorious Evil Queen in the series. She made appearances during flashback scenes, illustrating how Cora’s relentless ambition and her cunning manipulation of characters such as Rumplestiltsken molded the woman destined to be one of the show’s principal adversaries. McGowan’s performance was both eerie and impactful, providing a layer of depth and a heart-wrenching backstory that added nuance to Regina’s villainy.
After her stint on “Once Upon a Time,” Rose McGowan has emerged as a significant figure in the activism sphere, particularly within the #MeToo movement. She is a robust proponent against sexual misconduct and harassment, and she has been instrumental in revealing power abuses in Hollywood. Apart from this, she remains active in the film and television industry and published her memoir titled “Brave.
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2025-08-10 21:19