‘Once Upon A Time’ Spoilers: Sean Maguire Compares Regina To Darth Vader, Teases Big Twist

Once Upon a Time actor Sean Maguire recently compared his character’s love interest to Darth Vader. This might not seem like a compliment, but Sean meant it in the nicest way.

During an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Sean Maguire talked about how much he enjoys playing Robin Hood on Once Upon a Time. When he signed on for the role, he wasn’t just presented with the daunting task of bringing a beloved legend to life — he also had to convince feverish fans that he was the right man for Evil Queen Regina (Lana Parrilla). Luckily for Sean, there are now more than a few Outlaw Queen shippers out there.

“The Evil Queen is probably one of the biggest and most beloved characters on the show, so if you’re going to join a massive franchise — it’s like joining Star Wars and finding out that you’re going to start off with Darth Vader.”

Sean also compared Robin Hood to a “medieval James Bond,” so he’s trying to turn Once Upon a Time into an even bigger mash-up than it already is — it’s already crazy enough that Robin Hood is going to face off against the Wicked Witch (Rebecca Mader) in Oz during tonight’s episode of the show (“Heart of Gold”).

According to Entertainment Weekly, Once Upon a Time is going to reveal a lot more of Robin Hood’s backstory tonight.

“We’re going to find out a little bit about how he became Robin Hood, essentially,” Maguire revealed. “We’re going to find out why he chose the lifestyle that he did.”

During his pre-Outlaw Queen days, Robin took part in a heist that he probably lived to regret. In a fairy tale flashback, viewers will get to see what happens when Rumplestiltskin enlists Robin Hood to help him steal a magic elixir from Wicked Witch Zelena. Because the episode is titled “Heart of Gold,” perhaps Rumple’s plan will backfire — this would explain last week’s ominous scene that hinted that he’s suffering from a heart problem. Interestingly, Marian seemingly suffers from a similar health issue.

Sean Maguire revealed that fans will find out why Robin Hood’s appearance changed during the course of the show (he was once played by Tom Ellis), and they’ll get to see what Robin and Marian are up to in modern-day New York. Unfortunately for Marian, her husband’s heart is still elsewhere, and Sean Maguire thinks that Outlaw Queen is meant to be.

“He has to reconcile the fact that he’s still very much in love with Regina. It’s that thing between trying to be honorable, but trying to be decent, but also trying to follow your heart… It’s a real Romeo and Juliet thing. He fell in love with her from the start and Regina grew to love Robin. Once something like that starts, you just can’t turn it off.”

Outlaw Queen fans agree with Maguire that Regina and Robin are meant to be, but the actor told Access Hollywood that tonight’s episode is going to feature a big twist, and there’s a chance this big twist will play a part in keeping the lovebirds apart.

“People think that they know what the twist is, but they don’t,” Sean said. “There’s another twist to come that nobody knows about and I think it’s gonna shock a few people.”

Tonight’s episode of Once Upon a Time will also explore the beginning of Robin Hood’s friendship with the Knave/Will Scarlet (Michael Socha), and the Sheriff of Nottingham (Will Traval) will stir up trouble for the honorable thief.

As the Inquisitr previously reported, a spoiler-ific video surfaced online that reveals that Robin Hood and Regina will be reunited by the Season 4 finale of Once Upon a Time. Regina will find herself in a bit of trouble, but it won’t be Robin who saves her — Emma Swan will step in to play the role of Savior once again.

Once Upon a Time airs Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Check out a sneak peek below.