Convention - Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show 2024: A Magical Reunion with Sean Maguire and Lana Parrilla from Once Upon a Time

By Mulder, Villepinte, Parc des Expositions, 06 october 2024

On October 6, 2024, at the Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show, fans of Once Upon a Time gathered for a highly anticipated panel featuring two of the show’s biggest stars: Sean Maguire and Lana Parrilla. Held at the Parc des Expositions in Villepinte, this exciting event offered fans a chance to reconnect with the enchanting world of Storybrooke, Maine, where fairy-tale characters lived secret lives among ordinary humans.

As the packed audience filled the venue, it was clear that the love for Once Upon a Time had not waned, even though the show ended its seven-season run in 2018. The series, which blended iconic fairy-tale characters like Snow White, Prince Charming with modern-day drama, struck a chord with viewers for its creative storytelling and powerful themes of redemption, hope, and love. Fans at the panel were eager to hear from the actors who brought two beloved characters to life: Sean Maguire as the honorable Robin Hood, and Lana Parrilla as the complex and iconic Regina Mills, also known as the Evil Queen.

The panel opened with a warm introduction of both actors, who were met with thunderous applause. Lana Parrilla, who portrayed Regina Mills/The Evil Queen, took the stage with her signature charm and grace. She reminisced about her journey playing one of the most complicated and fascinating characters in television. Regina's transformation from a villain obsessed with revenge to a hero who ultimately seeks redemption was one of the key story arcs of Once Upon a Time. Lana Parrilla shared how much she loved portraying such a layered character, and how Regina’s storyline resonated with fans who related to her struggles with darkness, loss, and finding hope again.

Lana Parrilla emphasized how the show’s creators, Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, set out to tell a story about second chances and the possibility of change. "It was important for me to show Regina’s vulnerability and her journey toward forgiveness and self-love," she said. The audience cheered as she recalled pivotal moments, such as Regina’s emotional redemption in later seasons, and her complicated relationships with characters like Emma Swan (Jennifer Morrison) and Snow White (Ginnifer Goodwin). Lana Parrilla noted that the series’ message of hope, even in the darkest of times, is something that continues to resonate with fans today.

Sean Maguire, who played the dashing Robin Hood, joined the conversation with his own fond memories of the series. Sean Maguire’s Robin Hood, introduced in Season 3, quickly became a fan favorite, particularly because of his romantic relationship with Regina. The chemistry between Sean Maguire and Lana Parrilla was electric, and the love story between Robin and Regina offered viewers one of the most heartfelt and tragic storylines of the series. Sean Maguire expressed his deep gratitude to the show’s fanbase, who had supported the "Outlaw Queen" pairing. He reflected on the opportunity to portray a character like Robin Hood, who is both heroic and human, bringing the classic character to life in a way that was fresh and relatable.

Sean Maguire chimed in with his experience of joining the cast in Season 3. He noted how welcoming everyone was and how much fun he had playing such an iconic figure from folklore. Sean Maguire shared behind-the-scenes stories, including the collaborative atmosphere on set. He praised Lana Parrilla for her dedication and passion, highlighting how their scenes together—particularly the emotional ones—were some of the most memorable moments of his career. He also joked about the action sequences, explaining that learning to wield a bow and arrow convincingly was no easy task!

A recurring theme during the panel was the show's powerful message about hope and redemption. Lana Parrilla and Sean Maguire both spoke about how these themes were central to their characters and the overall narrative. Regina’s journey was one of the most significant arcs in Once Upon a Time—her evolution from a vengeful Evil Queen to a loving mother and redeemed hero touched the hearts of many viewers. Lana Parrilla expressed how grateful she was for the opportunity to portray such a complex character who ultimately finds her happy ending. "Regina taught me so much about forgiveness, not just of others, but of oneself," Lana Parrilla reflected, earning a round of applause from the audience.

Sean Maguire’s Robin Hood also embodied these themes, as he was not only a thief but a man of honor, driven by his desire to protect those he loved. His love for Regina, despite the obstacles and tragedies they faced, exemplified the show's message that love and hope are stronger than any curse. The fans’ outpouring of support for Outlaw Queen over the years, Sean Maguire said, was a testament to how deeply the storyline resonated with viewers.

As the panel drew to a close, both actors reflected on the lasting impact of Once Upon a Time. Lana Parrilla expressed her gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support over the years, particularly those who had connected with Regina’s journey. Sean Maguire agreed, adding that the show’s legacy lives on through the fans who continue to share their love for the characters and the story.

The panel at Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show 2024 was a heartwarming celebration of a series that has left an indelible mark on its audience. Sean Maguire and Lana Parrilla’s presence and their shared stories brought the magic of Once Upon a Time back to life, reminding everyone in attendance why the show continues to be cherished by fans around the world. As the panel ended, fans left with a renewed sense of nostalgia and excitement, their love for Once Upon a Time as strong as ever.

You can discover our photos in our Flickr page

Synopsis : 
Nowadays, in a small Maine town called Storybrooke, fairy tales still exist. This is what Emma, a young woman with a troubled past, is about to discover when she is taken on a wonderful and tragic journey by the son she abandoned 10 years earlier. Along the way, she encounters the evil Queen, none other than the town's ruthless mayor; Snow White, now the gentle Sister Mary Margaret Blanchard; Tracassin, the frightening black magic expert; and Archie, the friendly local Jiminy Cricket. With his arrival, the hope of an entire amnesiac community is reborn...

Once Upon a Time
Created by Edward Kitsis, Adam Horowitz
Starring Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Morrison, Lana Parrilla, Josh Dallas, Jared S. Gilmore, Raphael Sbarge, Jamie Dornan, Robert Carlyle, Eion Bailey, Emilie de Ravin, Meghan Ory, Colin O'Donoghue, Michael Raymond-James, Michael Socha, Rebecca Mader, Sean Maguire, Andrew J. West, Dania Ramirez, Gabrielle Anwar, Alison Fernandez, Mekia Cox
Composers : Mark Isham, Cindy O'Connor (S7), Michael D. Simon (S7)
Executive producers : Edward Kitsis, Adam Horowitz, Steve Pearlman, David H. Goodman, Andrew Chambliss
Producers : Damon Lindelof, Christine Boylan, Robert Hull, Kalinda Vazquez, Jane Espenson, Daniel T. Thomsen, Brian Wankum, Kathy Gilroy, Ian Goldberg, Liz Tigelaar, Samantha Thomas, Jerome Schwartz, Helga Ungurait
Cinematography : Steven Fierberg, Stephen Jackson, Tony Mirza
Editors : Geofrey Hildrew, Mark Goldman, Scot J. Kelly, Joe Talbot Hall
Running time : 43 minutes
Production companies : ABC Studios, Kitsis/Horowitz
Network : ABC
Release October 23, 2011 – May 18, 2018

Photos and Video : Copyright Boris Colletier / Mulderville