Exploring the Two Cinderellas in Once Upon a Time
During its impressive seven-season arc, Once Upon a Time transported viewers through various classic narratives and introduced memorable characters, including multiple interpretations of beloved figures such as Rapunzel and Hansel and Gretel. Among these, Cinderella is notably featured twice with distinct portrayals, showcasing the show’s innovative storytelling approach.
The first version of Cinderella, played by Jessy Schram, makes her mark across four episodes throughout the earlier seasons. This portrayal aligns closely with traditional expectations of the character, embodying the quintessential princess archetype complete with her iconic blue dress, flowing blonde hair, and sparkling glass slippers at the grand ball.
In contrast, the second Cinderella, depicted by Dania Ramirez, emerges in the show’s seventh season which serves as a soft reboot. This version is a radical departure, characterized by a fierce demeanor and combat skills. Notably, her introduction includes an impactful scene where she punches Henry (Andrew J. West) before commandeering his motorcycle. Her quest for vengeance against her malevolent stepmother and stepsister is driven by the desire to avenge her father’s death, establishing her as a formidable presence in the narrative. Additionally, she evolves into Henry’s love interest, ultimately becoming his wife and the mother of his child.
Once Upon a Time Season 7 Required a Dynamic Central Figure
The Need for a Fresh Princess Following Snow White
The inaugural season of Once Upon a Time successfully centers on the romantic saga of Snow White (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Prince Charming (Josh Dallas), establishing a framework that resonates with audiences. However, with the introduction of a soft reboot in season seven, the need arose for a compelling princess to anchor the new narrative. Ultimately, the show adopted Cinderella as this pivotal figure, detailing her journey from romantic entanglements with Henry to the tribulations faced within her family.
Despite the foundational elements of her character, Cinderella’s trajectory appears somewhat forced, particularly her brief arc of love with Henry, which seems rushed. After the climactic defeat of Lady Tremaine (Gabrielle Anwar) in episode 11, Cinderella’s significance wanes, overshadowed by Gothel (Emma Booth), who steps into the role of the primary antagonist. It’s noteworthy that season one thrived with Snow White at its core; maintaining a similar focus on Cinderella could have reinforced the storytelling.
The Multiverse Concept in Once Upon a Time: Introducing Dual Cinderellas
An Exploration of Universal Variations Within Once Upon a Time
While the concept of multiple versions of characters is intriguing, Once Upon a Time does not delve deeply into the rationale behind these variations. The season seven premiere briefly alludes to this multiverse concept through young Henry (Jared S. Gilmore), who mentions discovering various storybooks containing different character interpretations—like a French version of Snow White. This exploration prompts Henry to embark on his own narrative journey.
The inclusion of the wish realm from the preceding season complements Henry’s assertion of a multiverse, showcasing a universe shaped by Emma’s (Jennifer Morrison) longing to escape her identity as the Savior. However, while the multiverse premise introduces fascinating possibilities, the series misses an opportunity to thoroughly explain its implications, particularly concerning the existence of divergent versions of Cinderella and other characters within the Once Upon a Time framework.
Leave a Reply