ABC is introducing a new fantasy land in Once Upon a Time in Wonderland.
From the co-creators of Once Upon a Time, the Victorian London-set Wonderland follows a young and beautiful Alice who speaks a tale of a strange new land that exists on the other side of a rabbit hole. Serving as a close-ended story and existing in its own universe, Wonderland follows in the vein of its mothership, with executive producers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz infusing their own twists to iconic fairy tale classics.
"It's going to be an exciting journey for Alice and for all the characters," star Sophie Lowe, who plays Alice, promises The Hollywood Reporter.
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What's different about this iteration of Alice is that she will be more proactive and, frankly, tougher. When she is separated from her love, Cyrus (Peter Gadiot), Alice takes it upon herself to find him.
"It's really exciting to be able to play a strong woman in this day and age," the English-born Australian actress says. "It's cool for the woman to be going off to find their true love."
With Kitsis and Horowitz consistently keeping things close to the vest, Lowe admits she has questions.
"I'm always wondering, 'How does she fit with this person or that person? How did they meet?,' " she says. One of those characters whom Alice will come across in the series premiere is the Knave of Hearts (Being Human vet Michael Socha), described as a sardonic adventurer, a man of action, loner and heartbreaker.
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"How did they become so close?," Lowe says of Alice and the Knave's quirky partnership. "They have a close bond because of things that have happened in the past. She's helped him get his heart back. We can't tell you how or why, but that's brought them closer."
Socha remains adamant that Alice and Knave's relationship is not romantic -- at all.
"There's no romance," the English actor tells THR. "The Knave looks out for Alice and only Alice. He doesn't give a shit about anybody else. The Knave owes Alice a favor and he's very protective. She's the only person he gives a shit about."
Both Lowe and Socha have high hopes for Lost alum Naveen Andrews, who plays a pivotal role in Wonderland as Jafar.
"[Sayid] was my favorite character in the whole [Lost] series," Socha admits, with Lowe expressing exceitement at the prospect of Alice and Jafar confronting each other. "It's going to be full on when they do," she says.
Once Upon a Time in Wonderland debuts Thursday at 8 p.m. on ABC.
E-mail: Philiana.Ng@THR.com
Twitter: @insidethetube
