Sarah Bolger traveling to 'Once Upon a Time' as Sleeping Beauty

The cast of ABC's "Once Upon a Time" continues to grow with announcements coming fast and often.

Sarah Bolger

The same day it was revealed Chinese legendary figure and Disney animated character Mulan was joining the series for its second season, TV Line is reporting that Irish actress Sarah Bolger has been cast as Sleeping Beauty.

Bolger portrayed Mary Tudor in "The Tudors" and also appeared in "The Spiderwick Chronicles."

Known as Aurora in Disney's 1959 animated film, Sleeping Beauty falls asleep after pricking her finger on a spindle cursed by the evil Maleficent.

Kristin Bauer van Straten ("True Blood") portrayed Maleficent in two episodes during the series' first season.

Mulan joins 'Once Upon a Time'

For its first season, ABC's "Once Upon a Time" relied on Western fairy tales for its characters, but that appears to be changing for Season Two.

Jamie Chung

Entertainment Weekly is reporting that actress Jamie Chung has been cast as Mulan, a figure from Chinese legend and heroine of Disney's 1998 animated "Mulan" film.

Chung was Amber in "Sucker Punch" and also had a role in "The Hangover II." She will also be in the RZA's upcoming kung fu film, "The Man with the Iron Fists."

Mulan is a legendary character from the Chinese poem, "The Ballad of Mulan," which follows her as she disguises herself as a man and joins the army in place of her father.

According to the report, the character will have a recurring role during the series' second season.

"Once Upon a Time" tells the story of the small Maine town of Storybrooke, which is populated by fairy tale characters who were sent there by a dreadful curse, wiping their memories and giving them new identities. The first season follows Emma Swan (Jennifer Morrison, "House"), who travels to the town to return her biology son to his adopted mother Regina (Lana Parrilla, "Miami Medical"), not knowing that she's really the evil queen who cast the curse. Her son Henry (Jared Gilmore, "Mad Men") is convinced she is the one destined to break the curse and return everyone home.

Created by "Lost" writers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, the series tells dual story lines each episode, dealing with the present day in Storybrooke and the characters' pasts in the fairy tale land.

It also stars Josh Dallas as Prince Charming/David Nolan, Ginnifer Goodwin ("Big Love") as Snow White/Mary Margaret Blanchard and Robert Carlyle ("Stargate Universe") as Mr. Gold, known in the fairy tale land as Rumpelstiltskin.

Damon Lindelof to co-write HBO's 'The Leftovers'

After working on several high profile film projects, "Lost" co-creator Damon Lindelof will be returning to television with HBO's adaptation of the book "The Leftovers."

The novel was published in 2011.

According to Deadline, this project is Lindelof's first under a three-year deal he signed with Warner Bros. recently.

The 2011 novel was written by Tom Perrotta, who will co-write the series with Lindelof. The pair will also executive produce the project, with Lindelof serving as show-runner if HBO decided to pick up "The Leftovers" for series, according to the report.

Perrotta's website describe the book as follows: "What if the Rapture happened and you got left behind? Or what if it wasn't the Rapture at all, but something murkier, a burst of mysterious, apparently random disappearances that shattered the world in a single moment, dividing history into Before and After, leaving no one unscathed? How would you rebuild your life in the wake of such a devastating event?"

 Lindelof co-wrote "Prometheus" for director Ridley Scott as well as J.J. Abrams' "Star Trek 2." He was also recently called in to re-write the troubled "World War Z" adaptation.

Matthew Gray Gubler renews contract for 'Criminal Minds'

"Criminal Minds" regular Matthew Gray Gubler has signed a new two-year contract to continue on the show.

Matthew Gray Gubler

Deadline is reporting Gubler, who has played Dr. Spencer Reid for the series' entire seven season run, will earn more than $100,000 per episode under the new deal.

The actor was the only member of the main cast whose contract was up this year other than Padget Brewster, who announced in February that she would not be returning next season.

Actress Jeanne Tripplehorn ("Big Love") will join the show this coming year, although there are no details available yet about her character. She signed a one-year contract with an option for a second to star in the procedural.

The cast also includes Thomas Gibson as Aaron Hotchner, Shemar Moore as Derek Morgan, Joe Mantegna as David Rossi, A.J. Cook as Jennifer "JJ" Jareau and Kirsten Vangsness as Penelope Garcia.

Emilie de Ravin upgraded to regular on 'Once Upon a Time'

The main cast of ABC's "Once Upon a Time" continues to grow with the announcement that Emilie de Ravin has been upgraded to a series regular for the show's sophomore season.

Emilie de Ravin

According to TVLive, De Ravin was given the offer after her pilot "Americana" was not picked up by ABC for the fall.

The actress played Belle in three episodes during the first season, providing a love interest for Robert Carlyle's ("Stargate Universe") Rumpelstiltskin. The two were reunited in the real world in the season finale.

TVLine quoted series writer Jane Espenson as saying, “We cast [De Ravin] thinking that she’d be great for this but that it would probably be a one-shot--but if she didn’t get a pilot and she had a good time and she’s available, we knew that of course she’d be welcome back.”

De Ravin is best known for playing the role of Claire on ABC's "Lost."

The news of her upgrade comes on the heels of a similar boost for actress Meghan Ory, who plays Ruby and Red Riding Hood in the fairy tale-themed show.

Meghan Ory upgraded to regular on 'Once Upon a Time'

Season two of ABC's hit new series "Once Upon a Time" will be seeing Red this fall.

Meghan Ory

According to Deadline, actress Meghan Ory, who plays Ruby and Red Riding Hood in the fairy tale-themed show, has been upgraded from a recurring character to a series regular.

"Once Upon a Time" tells the story of the small Maine town of Storybrooke, which is populated by fairy tale characters who were sent there by a dreadful curse, wiping their memories and giving them new identities. The first season follows Emma Swan (Jennifer Morrison, "House"), who travels to the town to return her biology son to his adopted mother Regina (Lana Parrilla, "Miami Medical"), not knowing that she's really the evil queen who cast the curse. Her son Henry (Jared Gilmore, "Mad Men") is convinced she is the one destined to break the curse and return everyone home.

Created by "Lost" writers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, the series tells dual story lines each episode, dealing with the present day in Storybrooke and the characters' pasts in the fairy tale land.

It also stars Josh Dallas (who recently had to pull out of "Thor 2" due his obligations to the series) as Prince Charming/David Nolan, Ginnifer Goodwin ("Big Love") as Snow White/Mary Margaret Blanchard and Robert Carlyle ("Stargate Universe") as Mr. Gold, known in the fairy tale land as Rumpelstiltskin.

Ory, whose previous work includes "True Justice," appeared in 17 of the first season's 22 episodes.

Jeanne Tripplehorn joining 'Criminal Minds'

With Paget Brewster leaving CBS' "Criminal Minds" for the second time in two seasons--this time by her own choice--actress Jeanne Tripplehorn has been tapped to join the procedural this fall.

Jeanne Tripplehorn

According to Deadline, Tripplehorn's contract is for one season with an option for a second.

The report quotes showrunner Erica Messer as saying, "“We’re thrilled to have Jeanne Tripplehorn join our team as a profiler. It’s an exciting way to start season eight.”

The show's seventh season marked the return of series regular Brewster as Emily Prentiss and A.J. Cook as J.J. Jareau. Their departure the previous season brought a clamor from fans who were upset at the decision to axe the stars, especially considering it appeared to have been a financial rather than creative one.

In February, however, it was announced Brewster would once again leave the show at the end of the season.

"After six wonderful years playing Emily Prentiss, I have decided it’s time for me to move on," she told Deadline. "As much as I will miss my 'Criminal Minds' family, I am excited about the future and other opportunities."

Last year, Brewster filmed a pilot for NBC's "My Life as an Experiment," but the show wasn't picked up. ABC Studios, which produces "Criminal Minds," then exercised an option in the actress' contract to bring her back for another year. Brewster declined to sign a new contract.

Last year, Tripplehorn finished her five-season run on "Big Love" and appeared this past season on two episodes of the freshman comedy "New Girl." She received an Emmy nomination in 2009 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for her work in HBO's "Grey Gardens."

The details of her character on "Criminal Minds" are not yet known.

Yvonne Strahovski joins 'Dexter' for multi-episode arc

"Chuck" star Yvonne Strahovski will be making a return to television next fall thanks to a multi-episode arc on Showtime's "Dexter."

Yvonne Strahovski

According to Deadline, Strahovski, who finished her five-season run on NBC's "Chuck" this year, will play Hannah McKay, a "strong, independent woman with a past that she's struggled to put behind her."

The show follows Dexter (Michael C. Hall), a forensic agent with the Miami Police Department who just happens to be a serial killer, although most of his victims are criminals themselves. In the upcoming seventh season, Dexter works with Hannah after she is asked by the department to help on several old cases.

Strahovski played CIA agent Sarah Walker on "Chuck" for five seasons before the show ended in January. She will also be appearing in the films "The Guilt Trip" and "I, Frankenstein," both of which are in post-production.

Season seven of "Dexter" is due to premier Sept. 30. Production began last week.

NBC orders 'Hannibal' series

Hannibal Lector is heading to NBC after the network gave a "straight-to-series" order to Bryan Fuller's adaptation of Thomas Harris' iconic cannibal.

NBC ordered 13 episodes.

According to Deadline, the series will be based on Harris' "Red Dragon," featuring FBI agent Will Graham and Dr. Hannibal Lector in the early days of their relationship.

The book was most recently adapted into a film in 2002 featuring Anthony Hopkins as Lector and Edward Norton as Graham. Hopkins first played Lector in 1991's "The Silence of the Lambs" and returned to the role in 2001 for "Hannibal."

NBC bought the series in November and Tuesday's order is for a full 13 episodes.

Fuller ("Pushing Daisies") is executive producing the series Martha DeLaurentiis.

This is Fuller's second adaptation project for NBC, as he is also producing the pilot "Mockingbird Lane," a remake of the classic television series "The Munsters."

Paget Brewster leaving 'Criminal Minds' ... again

Paget Brewster, second from left, will be leaving "Criminal Minds" again.

Well, the gang at CBS's "Criminal Minds" were whole again this year, but it appears that will be a short-lived event.

This season marked the return of series regulars Paget Brewster as Emily Prentiss and A.J. Cook as J.J. Jareau. Their departure last season brought a clamor from fans who were upset at the decision to axe the stars, especially considering it appeared to have been a financial rather than creative one.

According to Deadline, however, Brewster will once again leave the show at the end of the season, but this time the decision is hers.

"After six wonderful years playing Emily Prentiss, I have decided it’s time for me to move on," she told Deadline. "As much as I will miss my 'Criminal Minds' family, I am excited about the future and other opportunities."

'Chuck' star Zachary Levi joins 'Let it Go'

"Chuck" star Zachary Levi has signed onto the pilot "Let It Go," which is being produced by Sony Pictures TV for Fox.

Zachary Levi

According to Deadline, the pilot follows a husband (Levi) and wife, along with his best friend and her sister, as they "try to navigate, negotiate and sometimes manipulate society's unspoken rules."

Levi's five-year run on NBC's "Chuck" ended last month when the spy comedy aired its final episode. He also provided the voice of Flynn Rider in Disney's "Tangled," which hit theaters in 2010. Prior to "Chuck," Levi starred in "Less Than Perfect."

"Let It Go" was written by DJ Nash and is executive produced by Peter Tolan and Michael Wimer.

Steven Spielberg and Stephen King to bring 'Under the Dome' to Showtime

Steven Spielberg and Stephen King are partnering to bring the author's 2009 novel "Under the Dome" to Showtime as a series.

The novel was published in 2009.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the project will be produced by DreamWorks Television with King as executive producer along side DreamWorks TV's Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank.

The novel follows a small town in Maine which is suddenly closed off from the rest of the world by a impassible force field, and how the residents trapped inside react.

This isn't the first time Spielberg and King partnered on a project. In 2006, they tried to bring King and Peter Straub's "The Talisman" to TNT as a six-part mini-series but the project ultimately fell through due to budget concerns.

CW looking to develop 'Deadman' series

With "Smallville" now at an end, CW is once again looking to DC Comic to find a series.

Deadman first appeared in 1967.

Deadline is reporting that the network is developing a series based on the character Deadman from "Supernatural" creator Erik Kripke.

Deadman is a ghost who was once Boston Brand, a circus trapeze artist. He is given the ability to possess living people in order to solve crimes and fight evil.

The character first appeared in 1967 in "Strange Adventures" #205 and has had several dedicated series as well as numerous cameos in other comics. He most recently had a large role in DC's year-long "Brightest Day" series.

Warner Bros. TV will be producing the series.

AMC's 'Breaking Bad' renewed for a final 16 episodes

 'Breaking Bad' will conclude its run on AMC after last-minute deal struck.

AMC announced today that “Breaking Bad,” the Emmy Award-winning and critically lauded drama series from Vince Gilligan has been renewed for a 16 episode order that will conclude the series.

Production on all episodes of the final order will commence in early 2012. The roll-out of the episodes and premiere date schedule has yet to be determined by the network. The announcement was made by Charlie Collier, president of AMC.

Negotiations between Gilligan and AMC have been long, testy and public as the two sides worked to find a way to keep the series on the network. Recently, talk had started that the series may move to another network if a deal couldn't be struck before the license deal ended Monday.

“Breaking Bad’s” fourth season premiered on Sunday, July 18, to the highest ratings ever for the series.  Household ratings are 30 percent stronger than season three and season four is delivering 28 percent more total viewers and over 45 percent more adults 18-34 than last season, AMC said in the release announcing the new deal.

A&E producing Stephen King's 'Bag of Bones' as mini-series

A&E Network is producing a four-hour mini-series based on author Stephen King's novel "Bag of Bones."

The novel was published in 1998.

The news broke last last month over at Deadline, with Pierce Brosnan ("GoldenEye") starring as Nike Noonan, an author trying unsuccessfully to deal with the death of his wife and years of writer's block.

A dream inspires Noonan to return to the couple's summer retreat in western Maine, a lakeside house called Sara Laughs. Shortly after arriving, he is caught in the middle of a custody battle involving the daughter of an attractive young widow and the child's enormously wealthy grandfather. He also discovers that Sara Laughs is haunted and that his late wife, Joanna, still has something to tell him.

The mini-series is scheduled for a fourth-quarter 2011 release with filming underway this month. According to the report, Mick Garris will direct based on a script by Matt Venne ("White Noise 2: The Light"). Garris has a history of adapting King's works for television, including "The Stand" (which may soon be up for a theatrical remake), "The Shining" mini-series and "Desperation."

Tom Wlaschiha is Jaqen H'gar's new face for 'Game of Thrones'

Valar morghulis.

Jaqen H'gar has a new face, at least for HBO's adaptation of "Game of Thrones."

Tom Wlaschiha

The assassin will be played by German actor Tom Wlaschiha, according to Entertainment Weekly, which credits fan site Winter is Coming for breaking the story.

Readers meet Jaqen H'gar along with young Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) as she make her way north in "A Clash of Kings," the second book in George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" and basis for season two of the television series.

Wlaschiha's credits include roles in "Enemy at the Gates," "13 Blocks" and "Valkyrie."

He joins second season newcomers Gemma Whelan ("The Wolfman") as Yara Greyjoy, Liam Cunningham ("Camelot," "Clash of the Titans") as Davos Seaworth the Onion Knight, Stephen Dillane ("John Adams") as Stannis, Carice van Houten ("Repo Men," "Valkyrie") as Melisandre, Gwendoline Christie ("The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus") as Brienne and Natalie Dormer ("The Tudors") as Margaery Tyrell.

The first season picked up 13 Emmy nominations, including Best Drama Series, Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister), Writing in a Drama Series and Direction in Single-Camera Series. 

Theon Greyjoy's sister cast in 'Game of Thrones'

The casting continues for the second season of HBO's "Game of Thrones" with actress Gemma Whelan as Yara Greyjoy.

Gemma Whelan

Named Asha Greyjoy in the George R.R. Martin's series of novels, the character is sister to Theon Greyjoy, the ward of House Stark played by Alfie Allen ("Atonement," "The Kid"). Raised on the Iron Isles, she is a fierce fighter and commander of her own ship.

According to Entertainment Weekly, her named was changed to Yara due to Asha sounding too much like Osha. Apparently they did the same thing with Lord Robert of the Eyrie, who was changed to Robin in the series to avoid confusion with King Robert. (I didn't notice to be honest, but then they rarely referred to him by name. That was also rather odd, consider the young lord was named for the king.)

Whelan has had roles in "Gulliver's Travels" and "The Wolfman."

She joins second season newcomers Liam Cunningham ("Camelot," "Clash of the Titans") as Davos Seaworth the Onion Knight, Stephen Dillane ("John Adams") as Stannis, Carice van Houten ("Repo Men," "Valkyrie") as Melisandre, Gwendoline Christie ("The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus") as Brienne and Natalie Dormer ("The Tudors") as Margaery Tyrell.

The first season picked up 13 Emmy nominations, including Best Drama Series, Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister), Writing in a Drama Series and Direction in Single-Camera Series.

HBO co-president: 'Game of Thrones' will continue as long as Martin keeps writing

HBO issued a resounding commitment to its adaptation of George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series at the Television Critics Association press tour Thursday.

"Game of Thrones" earned 13 Emmy nods

Speaking about the success of the first season of "Game of Thrones," HBO Co-President Richard Plepler said, "The truth is when you see how thrilled [Martin] is with the production, we know we’ve succeeded partially by his satisfaction. We told George we’d go as long as he kept writing."

HBO renewed the series for a second season after only one episode had aired, and casting has already begun.

To date, the new cast members include Liam Cunningham ("Camelot," "Clash of the Titans") as Davos Seaworth the Onion Knight, Stephen Dillane ("John Adams") as Stannis, Carice van Houten ("Repo Men," "Valkyrie") as Melisandre, Gwendoline Christie ("The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus") as Brienne and Natalie Dormer ("The Tudors") as Margaery Tyrell.

The fifth novel in Martin's epic series, "A Dance with Dragons," was released earlier this month. Season two of the series will follow the story of "A Clash of Kings," the second novel. At the San Diego Comic Con, producers hinted that the third novel, "A Storm of Swords," would be broken into two seasons.

"Game of Thrones' picked up 13 Emmy nominations, including Best Drama Series, Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister), Writing in a Drama Series and Direction in Single-Camera Series. The winners will be announced during the Sunday, Sept. 18, ceremony, which airs on FOX at 8 p.m. ET.

Liam Cunningham is Davos the Onion Knight in 'Game of Thrones'

The Onion Knight has a name and it is Liam Cunningham.

The latest addition to the cast of HBO's second season of "Game of Thrones," Cunningham ("Camelot," "Clash of the Titans") will play Davos Seaworth, a knight serving Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane, "John Adams"), Entertainment Weekly reports.

Liam Cunningham

A former smuggler, Davos earned his title and his nickname during the war which saw Stannis' brother Robert steal the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms. Davos was able to get food to Stannis, who was under siege at the castle of Storm's End. After the war, Stannis knighted Davos, but cut the tips of his fingers as punishment for his life as a smuggler.

In the second novel of George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, "A Clash of Kings," upon which season two will be based, Davos is one of two new point-of-view characters and it is through his eyes that readers get to see much of Stannis.

Cunningham is the fifth major casting announcement for season two after Dillane as Stannis, Carice van Houten ("Repo Men," "Valkyrie") as Melisandre, Gwendoline Christie ("The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus") as Brienne and Natalie Dormer ("The Tudors") as Margaery Tyrell.

Stannis, Melisandre and Brienne cast for 'Games of Thrones' season two

Three more denizens of Westoros have been cast for season two of HBO's Emmy-nominated series "Game of Thrones."

Gwendoline Christie

Season two, which is set to air on the cable network next spring, will follow "A Clash of Kings," the second book in George R.R. Martin "A Song of Ice and Fire" series.

Up first is Brienne, who will be portrayed by Gwendoline Christie ("The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus"). Brienne is described in the novels as large and unattractive, but strong and a well-versed in sword play. She is sworn to Renly Baratheon, the younger of King Robert's brothers.

Stephen Dilla

Speaking of Robert's brothers, Stannis Baratheon, who was often spoken about during the course of season two but never seen, will be played by British actor Stephen Dillane, according to Entertainment Weekly.

This will not be Dillane's first venture on HBO, as he appeared as Thomas Jefferson in the acclaimed mini-series, "John Adams." He also played Merlin in 2004's "King Arthur," which featured Clive Owen in the title role.

Carice van Houten

Rounding out the new casting from EW is Stannis' advisor, the red priestess Melisandre, who will be played by Carice van Houten. Melisandre rejects the seven gods of Westeros and claims power from the mysterious god of light, who she says gives her the gift of prophecy, which she uses to council Stannis.

The dutch actress has appeared in "Repo Men," "Valkyrie" and "Black Book."