Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 20: Meet Wish-World Rumpelstiltskin

Over the course of Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 20, we had a chance to learn about our final villain — and we certainly think that this one in the Wish-World Rumpelstiltskin is as evil as evil can be. This is a man who is dark, sinister, and very much motivated to just cause chaos in the world. He’s very much different from the Rumple we’ve come to know over time, but he echoes what for a long time that man’s simple struggle to balance good and evil. We like to think that Rumple has atoned; however, there is no atonement here.

In speaking a little more on the subject of Wish-World Rumple to Entertainment Weekly, here is what executive producer Edward Kitsis had to say:

“One of the most fearsome villains that has ever been on the show was Rumpelstiltskin … Wish Realm Rumpelstiltskin is a version of Rumpelstiltskin without Baelfire or Belle. So, you are talking about a Rumpelstiltskin without hope. He is unleashed.”

As you would imagine there are many different characters who could be struggling to cope with the arrival of this man, but none, per Kitsis, will struggle more than Rumple himself:

“Rumple is going to face the ultimate test and the ultimate villain, which is himself … We hope the seven seasons of the show have given him strength enough to defeat a horrible version of himself.”

We certainly hope so, as well, but one of the things that we feel fairly confident about is that establishing this version of the character as the central villain entering the final stretch is going to impact everyone. It’s a sliding-doors feeling for some of our returning characters, including Emma, Snow, Charming, and more. This is a reminder that sometimes, having one thing turn out differently can be the thing that changes your life forever.

Do you think that Wish-World Rumpelstiltskin is a worthy final adversary going into the final Once Upon a Time episodes? Be sure to share right now in the comments!