Only on TV will you find somebody excited about going to hell. But that's TV—specifically Once Upon a Time's Lana Parrilla—for you!
"We're taking everyone to the underworld. So, we're basically entering hell, which is really exciting because there are a lot of characters who have died on the show that are going to make an appearance in the second half of the season," Parrilla, the (maybe not so) Evil Queen Regina on OUAT, told E! News' Sibley Scoles at Elle's Women In Television Celebration presented by Hearts on Fire Diamonds and Olay.
Parrilla promised a lot of familiar faces are coming back, which we've heard about. Returning players this season include Barbara Hershey as Cora, Robbie Kay as Peter Pan, Giancarlo Esposito as the Magic Mirror/Sidney Glass and Emma Caulfield as the Blind Witch. They good people of Storybrooke (and the not so good people) will also encounter Hades, played by Ally McBeal veteran Greg Germann, Jonathan Whitesell as Hercules, Kacey Rohl as Megara and a returning Dorothy Gale.
While chatting with E! News, Parrilla, whose father was born in Puerto Rico, spoke out about the "extremely important" need for diversity in Hollywood. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences came under fire when not a single person of color received a nomination in the major categories. This prompted many stars to speak out, including the Academy president.
"I'm grateful that TV—that we've taken the steps and those doors have opened for minorities," she said. "We have some in film, but they're not as recognized."
Click play on the video above for more from the Once Upon a Time star.
Once Upon a Time returns Sunday, March 6 at 8 p.m. on ABC. Be sure to watch E! News for more from Elle's Women in Television Celebration.