TV - Movies
Why The Role Of Robin Hood Was Recast In Once Upon A Time
By AMBER F
ABC’s fantasy adventure drama “Once Upon a Time” follows fairytale characters cursed to live in our world, giving a darker and more dramatic take on beloved childhood stories. The show is known for incorporating a large amount of new characters and fairytales into each season, and Robin Hood made his debut in the latter half of Season 2.
“Merlin” actor Tom Ellis played the iconic thief in Season 2 of “OUAT,” and the actor’s portrayal was everything Robin Hood should be: smart, charming, and handsome. The character actually only appeared in a single episode that season, but Robin Hood made a powerful impact, and many fans hoped to see Ellis reprise his role.
Robin Hood eventually returned, but Ellis did not; the actor's other projects, including shows like “Miranda” and “Rush,” left him with little time to spare, as “OUAT” co-creator Adam Horowitz explained: “Although we love Tom Ellis [...] we have an arc planned for the character, we had to move forward." Sean Maguire played Robin Hood from then onward.