Once Upon a Time Spinoff Will Focus on Alice in Wonderland

Movement continues on the Once Upon a Time spinoff, reports Deadline, revealing that Prince Break alum Zack Estrin and Jane Espenson (a current Once writer and producer) are helping guide the project, in conjunction with Once creators Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz. If the four-scene pilot presentation, which will film next month, is picked up to series, Espenson will return to Once, while Estrin will serve as showrunner with Kitsis and Horowitz.

Originally, word was the spinoff would focus on the Mad Hatter , but with the role having to be recast due to Sebastian Stan’s commitments, including Captain America: The Winter Soldier. However, Kitsis and Horowitz revealed they have no plans to recast - though Stan’s schedule may mean it’ll be awhile before we see the Mad Hatter again. Instead, the spinoff is going to focus on Alice, who we’ve not yet met on Once Upon a Time, and several new characters in Wonderland. Like Once, flashbacks will be included, which could mean appearances from the Cora, Once Upon a Time's Queen of Hearts, played by Barbara Hershey.

One interesting facet about the spinoff is how ABC is thinking of positioning it. Deadline says the network is toying with the idea of 13-episode seasons that would air in-between the fall and spring runs of Once Upon a Time, essentially allowing the Once franchise to be airing new episodes throughout the September to May season with few weeks off.

News of a Wonderland-set Once spinoff can’t be happy news for NBC, who have their own modern day Wonderland project in development.

Source : feeds[dot]ign[dot]com