'Once Upon a Time' top 10 tidbits about season 5

6. Casting calls for Camelot

So, we know Sinqua Walls is coming back and that Liam Garrigan has been signed on, but that only takes care of Lancelot and Arthur. What about Merlin and Guinevere? That’s who they’re looking for right now. We’re going to share the casting call descriptions with you, as well as a few suggestions for who could fill those roles.

UPDATE: Camelot roles filled

Merlin

To fill Merlin’s robes, Once Upon a Time has released a casting call for a middle-aged black man with a British accent; someone who can don the visage of “great wisdom and intelligence.” TV Line also included that this impeccable actor should have a demeanor of duty and self-sacrifice.

Many have speculated over the months as to who would make a good Merlin in the OUAT universe. Most of the suggestions, however, were of Caucasian men, which now that we have a concrete description, will not work. One favorite was Jeff Fahey, who played Frank Lapidus on Lost. Since then, some have suggested the well-known British actor, Idris Elba.

We have our own suggestion, though. Sticking with the re-casting of the ever-beloved Lost characters, we nominate Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, who portrayed Mr. Eko. If you witnessed his performance in Lost, then you know that he can carry the air of deep knowledge, faith, and mystery. His character was tough, judgmental at times, charismatic, and authoritative, but definitely benevolent and self-sacrificing.

Guinevere

For the beautiful Guinevere, Once Upon a Time is seeking a young Latina woman who can convincingly portray a queen who is both “headstrong” and passionate. It’s interesting how in some ways OUAT pays homage to Western traditions (such as the Arthurian characters speaking with a British accent), yet in others attempts to break those traditions by casting people of color. That being said, we agree with the suggestion of Michelle Rodriguez, yet another Lost performer. Rodriguez played the complicated and haunted Ana Lucia Cortez. But, to put our own spin on it, we have another suggestion you may find intriguing.

Although Michelle Rodriguez is beautiful, Latina, and a great actress, we found a little gem that may prove more suited for this role. Mary Cruz, according to Latin Times, is a young British Latina thespian who heralds ancestry from Colombia and Armenia. Filling the role of Guinevere would be a break out role for her in America (she now lives in L.A.), and it may be interesting to have a Guinevere that breaks the racial barrier, but maintains the traditional British accent. She’s at least worth mentioning.