Why are the villains always the sexiest? "Once Upon a Time" Season 5 starts Sunday, September 27 and The Powers That Be just shared new details on Emma Swan's (Jennifer Morrison) transformation into "Dark Swan," plus other magical spoilers.

DARK SWAN

First, Entertainment Weekly posted two first look photos of Dark Swan. Part of one is teased above, but see the photos in these tweets for full looks at Emma's awesomeness:

Showrunners Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz talked to Entertainment Weekly about Emma's journey, and how her status as the new Dark One will differ from Rumple's. "How a Dark One manifests is specific to each person who takes on the mantle," Horowitz said. "Emma will have her own unique spin on what it means to be a Dark One." Kitsis added, "We are going to be exploring love and what happens when you use it as a weapon and what are the things that it makes you do. In the past, we've said love is the most powerful magic of all. It makes you do many things you normally wouldn't think you would." That's interesting. He also said, "The quest for Merlin is the quest to free Emma," but that will require a new savior to step forward.

A new savior ... Henry? Regina? Hook? The showrunners previously summed up Season 5 in one word -- "Swan" -- which could refer to more than Emma. Maybe another character has an Ugly Duckling-to-Swan story?

MAL & LILY

In non-Swan news, here's new EW scoop on the mother/daughter team of Maleficent and Lily:

How much will we see Maleficent and Lily on the new season of Once Upon a Time? — Jaimie
Because the focus is on Emma becoming the Dark One — did you see the awesome shots of the Dark Swan? — the hunt for Lily's father will take a backseat for at least the first five episodes. "We intend to tell that story at some point this season," EP Edward Kitsis says. "We set it up for a reason. That is one we are definitely intending to do."

ZELENA'S BABY

And here's more baby daddy news, re: Zelena's child with Robin Hood. As EW previously noted:

When I asked the guys whether Zelena's baby will be born this season, EP Edward Kitsis answered with a definitive.... yes! Poor Regina. That is one messed up family tree."

Poor Regina (Lana Parrilla) indeed, but that seems to be her lot in life. No happy ending ... yet.

CAMELOT

EW also noted that, since the group is hunting for Merlin, that'll take us deep into Camelot. Lancelot (Sinqua Walls) is set to return (not dead, then?) and we'll also meet King Arthur and Guinevere. Liam Garrigan will play King Arthur, who is described as a "good and just ruler" who, beneath the surface, is "a master manipulator who can carry a grudge to the grave." TV Guide said Arthur bears an "eternal burning love" that borders on controlling for Guinevere. #Stage5Clinger

As of now, ABC is still apparently working to cast Merlin and Guinevere. Are you excited about the Dark Swan, Camelot, and Zelena news so far? Do you think Regina could be the new savior?

Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook.