Jennifer Morrison Leaving ‘Once Upon a Time: Can the Show Survive Without Her? (POLL)
As we await the fate of long-running series Once Upon a Time, we know at least one original cast member who won’t be back if ABC orders another season—Jennifer Morrison.
The actress, who has played Emma Swan since the series bowed in 2011, announced via Instagram Monday morning that she would not be returning. In the post, she wrote, “As I reached the end of my 6 year contract on Once Upon a Time, I was faced with a significant decision. ABC, Eddy Kitsis, and Adam Horowitz very generously invited me to continue as a series regular. After very careful consideration, I have decided that creatively and personally, it is time for me to move on.”
The news comes after the penultimate episode to the season six finale where Emma and her love, Hook (Colin O’Donoghue) finally married. The two-hour season finale airs Sunday with the fate of the show in the air until ABC’s upfront day next week in New York City.
Series creators Horowitz and Kitsis said in a statement, ““The past six years of collaborating with Jennifer as Emma Swan have been truly magical. Watching her breathe life into Emma, she accomplished more than we could have dreamed possible – she gave life to a brand-new Disney Princess, filled with strength and intelligence and an incredible closet full of red leather jackets. We’ll miss seeing her every day, but her imprint upon Once Upon a Time is indelible. She will always be a part of the show and its heart and soul.”
Morrison also said in her Instagram post that she has agreed to come back for one episode of season seven, though it’s up in the air if that would be the potential seventh season premiere or sometime during that season. That said, Horowitz and Kitsis said in their statement, ““[J]ust because Jennifer won’t be back every week doesn’t mean we won’t see our Savior again.”
What do you think of the news? Can the show survive without fan favorite Morrison? Let us know what you think in our poll:
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Once Upon A Time, Sundays, 8/7c, ABC
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I think the show has run its course. I certainly respect Jennifer Morrison's wanting to diversify. Her part as Emma is a job after all, and there's no shame in wanting some variety in one's life. It's time for the show's creators to diversify as well.
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What is up with these TV divas? First Connie Britton, now Jennifer Morrison. "OUAT" revolves around Emma just as "Nashville" revolved around Rayna. Yes, there are other characters and storylines, but if a show really depends on its main character, I wish the actor/actress in the role would respect that, have some care for the fans, and stay in the role. Failing that, IMO the characters should be recast.
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With? She's worked for like thirteen years straight in weekly series and is burned out, understandably. She has to fly back and forth to Canada about 100 times a year to do this show. That's not a diva, that is a person who has sacrificed a lot in her personal life to appear on a TV show for years. She owes you nothing.
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There are SO many good characters and actors on OUAT, I'm sure it can survive. without her. If Nashville w/o Connie Britton can survive , so could OUAT.
Nashville was renewed by CMT for another season. I happen to be fan of both shows. Your idea of recasting Emma Swan is something I never thought about, that might actually work! They could explain that with some kind of spell that changed her appearance to avoid being pursued by her enemies. And that would mean heavy drama with her new husband trying to be attracted to her knew look. Glad to here Hook, Rumple and Regina/Evil Queen have signed on. I love all 3 characters and actors very much. With some added new characters and hopefully some of the returning supporting cast, I think I can enjoy another season. The showrunners said the upcoming episode with will be The FInal Battle and end the currents storylines for the most part. If renewed, next season will be reimagined (a creative word for reboot) . I'll be watching for renewal updates. Also awaiting news about my favorite show Marvel Agents of SHIELD.
If both are renewed I'll be jumping for joy. If only one, I'll be fine. If both are canceled, it will be a depressing summer for me, knowing my favorite shows are gone.
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Your point is well-taken. I speak from a place of disappointment, but actors have every right to make these decisions according to what they need for themselves.
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Fred, your ideas about a recast are good! As to "Nashville," we haven't yet seen much of it without Rayna, but I will keep watching to see where it goes. I just thought it was such a shame that Miss Britton left just as Zwick and Hertzkowitz took over the show and clearly were making great improvements. But, as Judoon pointed out, it's her choice. If "OUAT" is renewed, I will also stay with it. The fantasy genre leaves a lot more room for major change, doesn't it? Here's hoping you won't have a depressing summer!
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Thank you for your fantastic post! Here is hoping Nashville and OUAT (if renewed) will be fine next season!
I'm also really hoping for another season of ABC's Marvel Agents of SHIELD and NBC's Timeless.
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No Emma, no me watching.
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You realize she isn't the only one leaving right?
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The show has likely run it's course even without this decision by Jennifer Morrison.
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I'm surprised by the poll results. To me she was always the worst cast character on the show.
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No. It definitely can't survive without her. No Emma, no show.
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I voted no mainly bc she is my fave and also I can't see how they'll continue some relationships and stuff like that but I don't know if I can be categoric. They can still surprise us and I do want to see some secondary characters back.
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