Rumple and Gold are one and the same but not for actor Robert Carlyle, who plays these "two" characters in "Once Upon a Time." He emphasized that there is one substantial difference between these clashing personalities that will likely be accentuated when the show's fifth season kicks off.
"Rumple's not in a coma. Gold's in a coma," Carlyle asserted during the San Diego Comic-Con via Entertainment Weekly. "Gold's got a white heart, Rumple doesn't. It's a different thing."
The aforementioned site thinks that the actor's assertion could mean that his character's identity will be a major plot point in the new season.
With regard to Rumple's relationship with Belle, actress Emilie de Ravin said, "I think it's going to be exciting to see their relationship like we've never seen it before. She's never been at this place in her life and never been in such a strong position, and he's never been unaffected or unconscious like he is now."
In reference to Rumple going all dark and evil, Colin O'Donoghue hinted in a chat via Zap2it that Belle will still see the good in Rumple much like his own character Hook will see the good in his love Emma. Although this may be the case, Carlyle already said that Rumple and Belle's romance won't be much of a focus in season 5.
"I would be surprised if the writers let this relationship go," the actor told Pop Sugar. "I wouldn't expect too much from it in the first half of the season; I get a feeling that it'll be more in the second half of the season."
Rumple isn't the only one with dual personalities. Executive producer Edward Kitsis has already said that Emma will also struggle in becoming the Dark One as she tries to summon her inner savior.
"Once Upon A Time" season 5 premieres Sept. 27.
