Emilie de Ravin & More To Leave After S6
For those who don't know, it's a contractual bloodbath. ABC is slashing the budget and letting cast go to cut costs for S7 instead of just canceling the show. It was not Emilie's decision to leave, but I'm glad she is. It means I can leave too. I've excerpted E&A's and Emilie's below. Even with RC returning, I'm out of steam.
...Emilie took the character of Belle to a deep and soulful place, bringing great intelligence and warmth to the character, making her fiercely independent, strong willed but also an eternal optimist who saw only the best in all those she encountered...
“Dear #oncers. I wanted to tell you guys myself, but it seems the news was already released :/ … I won’t be returning to #onceuponatime for Season 7. While I would have loved to continue exploring Belle’s journey, the show has decided to move in a different creative direction. Massive thank you to all the fans for your incredible love & support towards me & this character over the past 6 yrs. It’s been an honor & a privilege to bring Belle to life :) Congrats to Adam & Eddy & the returning cast & crew!! I wish you all a wonderful 7th Season!! Much love.”
http://ew.com/tv/2017/05/12/once-upon-time-ginnifer-goodwin-josh-dallas-emilie-de-ravin-jared-gilmore-exit/