'Once Upon a Time' season 6 news, spoilers: Tiger Lily casting underway; ABC exec talks possible renewal for fantasy drama
"Once Upon a Time" is heading to Neverland, and a new feisty female character will be introduced when season 6 returns this spring.
According to reports, the ABC drama is currently casting the role of Tiger Lily — the princess of the Native American Piccaninny tribe residing on the island of Neverland. In other versions of the fairy tail, she is known for having a crush on Peter Pan and being tormented by Captain Hook. "Once Upon a Time" is looking for a Native American actress in her late 20s or early 30s to fill the role. Tiger Lily is set to recur this season, and she will make her debut on episode 17.
The character is described as a resourceful and determined woman who is also "a force to be reckoned with." The casting call notes that she is willing to sacrifice her life to save others, and she'll do it in a heartbeat if it benefits her. People shouldn't be fooled, though, because beneath Tiger Lily's tough persona lies someone who isn't afraid to seek help.
"Once Upon a Time" was a huge breakout when it debuted in 2011, and it instantly became a pop culture hit among fairy tale fans. With six seasons in, the show's ratings have eventually slipped, but it continues to perform well in digital viewing platforms. Now that season 6 is nearing its end, some fans are wondering if there is already an ending in sight for the program.
ABC entertainment president Channing Dungey was present during Tuesday's TCA press tour, and she shared some details on why the ABC series is still not yet renewed. The exec revealed that a possible season 7 is on the table, but she has yet to meet with executive producers Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis to discuss the direction "Once Upon a Time" will take.
"Regardless of what we decide to do at the end of this season, I think they think they would put a little bit of a bow here, and then there is a next piece that comes after that, so they are trying to figure out what that is and how that works," Dungey said.
The sixth season of "Once Upon a Time" returns on Sunday, March 5, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.