Board Thread:Spoilers!/@comment-25624943-20141211075940/@comment-24674051-20141216202011

Ok, Let's look at this logically.

First, this is episode 15 we are discussing. Episode 12 is post-Hiatus and will finish setting up the back half of the season, and is likely to be an Ensemble episode.

Episode 13 is entitled unforgiven, and now with the events from the Mid-season finale, I would make a wager that it will be either Rumple or Belle centric.

Episode 14 is entitled Enter the Dragon - and I think it has now been confirmed that this is the episode that we get Regina and Maleficent's backstory. And it may not be the only Maleficent backstory episode, as there are a lot of indirect references to her from other sources in the show.

So Episode 15 is the 4th episode of the second half, and we still have 2 of the 3 queens to fill in a backstory.

Let's add to that we have confirmation that Ariel will be back, and if I recall correctly, it is supposed to be in somewhat early in the arc.

Finally, we know that they are casting an actress of African descent for the role in question.

However, Let's also consider that Ariel had no interaction with Ursula, at least prior to when she met the fake Ursula when she was with Snow. So if Ariel is involved with Ursula (as she should be), that interaction is going to most likely occur Present day (fortunately, Mermaids can travel freely between realms.  At least that's one plot device that the writers can make some positive use.)

finally, in the link where we see the casting announcement teased, the role of Miranda is referenced as a princess. And there is no mention of this being a recurring role, so chances are this is a one and done character.

So with all of the above facts, what can we conclude.

1. The most obvious conclusion, (though not the one I first came to), is that this is for a backstory to a young Ursula.

2. Less likely, but still possible, is that they intend to use Tiana, but only as a throwaway character (akin to what they did with Rapunzel, which I did not like). I would rather see the role of Tiana cast as a recurring character.

3. This could be for some princess from a here-to-fore unmentioned fairy tale (say the princess and the pea for example) or Nursery Rhyme (Mary Mary quite contrary, anyone?), again likely a one-and-done appearance.

4. Least likely is a new princess that is not from any story other than the heads of Adam and Eddy.

Obviously, I favor the first option at this point.