Emilie de Ravin Won’t Return For Once Upon A Time’s Season 7

When “Once Upon A Time” is coming back this fall it will look very different. Jennifer Morrison won’t be returning as a series regular on season seven as well as several main characters.

Co-creators Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz announced on Friday that the lead characters Jared Gilmore, Josh Dallas, Ginnifer Goodwin, Rebecca Mader and Emilie de Ravin won’t return in the upcoming season. They wrote in a statement:

Emilie took the character of Belle to a deep and soulful place, bringing great intelligence and warmth to the character, making her fiercely independent, strong willed but also an eternal optimist who saw only the best in all those she encountered.

Surprised by the timing of the announcement, Emilie released a heartfelt message on Instagram a few days later, because she had not the opportunity to tell her fans before the press release:

Dear #oncers. I wanted to tell you guys myself, but it seems the news was already released :/ … I won’t be returning to #onceuponatime for Season 7. While I would have loved to continue exploring Belle’s journey, the show has decided to move in a different creative direction.

Massive thank you to all the fans for your incredible love & support towards me & this character over the past 6 yrs. It’s been an honor & a privilege to bring Belle to life :) Congrats to Adam & Eddy & the returning cast & crew!! I wish you all a wonderful 7th Season!! Much love 💙xo

“The Once Upon a Time” season six finale airs tonight Sunday, May 14th on ABC.

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