Colin O’Donoghue stars as Captain Killian Jones, better known as Captain Hook, on "Once Upon a Time," the cunning pirate who arrives in Storybrooke with a sharp wit, a thirst for revenge, and a complicated connection to the Evil Queen’s world. Introduced as a dangerous and charismatic figure from the Enchanted Forest, Hook quickly becomes one of the series’ most unpredictable characters, balancing villainy, humor, and emotional depth as he crosses paths with Emma Swan and the other residents of Storybrooke.
Before joining "Once Upon a Time," O’Donoghue had already built a growing career in film and television, particularly in Ireland and the United Kingdom. His credits included work on series such as "The Tudors" and the horror film "The Rite," where he appeared opposite Anthony Hopkins. Those performances helped establish him as a dramatic actor with strong screen presence and experience in fantasy and period storytelling.
In joining "Once Upon a Time," O’Donoghue steps into one of the most iconic characters in classic literature and fairy-tale mythology. His version of Captain Hook combines danger, charm, and emotional vulnerability, giving the series a major new figure whose loyalties and motivations remain constantly shifting. Hook’s arrival expands the show’s mythology beyond its original fairy-tale world and introduces a more adventurous, pirate-inspired element to the series.
Outside of "Once Upon a Time," O’Donoghue continues working in film and television, building an international acting career across fantasy, drama, and thriller projects. His portrayal of Captain Hook quickly becomes one of the show’s most recognizable and popular additions, helping redefine the character for a new television audience while adding romance, conflict, and unpredictability to the series.