Once Upon a Time: Rebecca Mader Not Returning for Season 7
Following a Season 7 renewal, Rebecca Mader announced on social media that her character, Zelena will not be returning for Season 7 of Once Upon a Time.
Mader made the announcement on Instagram this morning.
“To my Darling Pretties, First of all I would like to start by congratulating Adam, Eddie, Lana, Bobby and Colin on the pick up of Once Upon a Time! I am truly happy for you all and most importantly for the fans that will get to keep tuning in each week to see where they will take us,” Mader writes.
REBECCA MADER
“A lot of you have been asking if I will be joining everyone in Season 7, so I wanted to let you know personally that unfortunately I am not. This wasn’t my choice but a creative decision of the shows that I totally respect and understand.”
She concluded with a thank you to the fans.
“The most important thing is that you all know how much you mean to me. I am told frequently both online and in person that by being a part of such a special show I have in some way changed someone’s life. This is hugely meaningful to me. I am here to let you know that I am the one who has been changed. Not just by playing such a well written multi-dimensional character but by the fandom itself. I have heard your stories, your pain, your struggles, your achievements and I have truly felt you. I have learned. I have grown. I am a better person because of you, the fans and everyone that blessed me with this opportunity to play such an iconic role.
Congrats all and thank you! I look forward to the next. I invite you to come with me on this journey.
I am forever changed. And I’m wicked. And Wicked Always Wins.”
This news follows the news that Jennifer Morrison, who plays Emma Swan, will also not be returning for the show’s seventh season, and will instead appear in one episode of the new season.
Mader appeared Once Upon a Time Season 3 Episode 12 “New York Serenade” as the Wicked Witch of the West and was later revealed to be Regina Mills’ (Lana Parrilla) half-sister, and has continued to be part of the ensemble.
Prior to appearing on Once Upon a Time, Mader appeared on Lost as Charlotte.
Are you surprised by this news? Will you miss seeing Rebecca Mader as Zelena in the newest season of Once Upon a Time? Let us know in the comments below.
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Lauren Busser
Lauren Busser is an Associate Editor at Tell-Tale TV. She is a writer of fiction and nonfiction whose work has appeared in Bitch Media, Popshot Quarterly, Brain Mill Press Voices, and The Hartford Courant.