<P> For the Blind Witch, Kitsis and co-creator Adam Horowitz cast actress Emma Caulfield, as they had been "huge fans" of hers since she had co-starred on Buffy the Vampire Slayer . Kitsis commented, "We couldn't think of anyone better to trap two children in a house and try to eat them ." Caulfield had previously worked with series writer Jane Espenson and producer Liz Tigelaar on Buffy and Life Unexpected . Morrison remarked that while viewers do not see the Blind Witch in Maine, "Everyone who is in fairytale land definitely has a Storybrooke counterpart . Whether or not we see them immediately doesn't mean they don't exist ." </P> <P> The exterior of the gingerbread house was based on concept art created by production designer Michael Joy . While this ended up being computer - generated, Joy and set decorator Mark Lane created a physical set for the interior using an "inside - out cake" as inspiration . The two always enjoyed adding in small details for careful viewers to notice, so in "True North" they used the cookies Hansel and Gretel baked in Storybrooke as part of the house's interior design . Joy explained, "We're always trying to find ways to link the two worlds . The audience loves that kind of stuff ." </P> <P> In October 2011, TV Guide reported that Eion Bailey would be joining the series in a multi-episode arc; "True North" featured his first appearance as the Stranger . Other guest stars included Quinn Lord as Nicholas / Hansel, Karley Scott Collins as Ava / Gretel, Nicholas Lea as Michael Tillman / Woodcutter, Gabe Khouth as Mr. Clark / Sneezy, and David Bloom as Mr. "K" Krzyszkowski . Lord and Collins had previously guest starred in two Fringe episodes, as younger versions of Peter Bishop and Olivia Dunham . Collins appeared in "Subject 13" alongside another actor who played Peter . </P> <P> Besides the main storyline being a retelling of the Hansel and Gretel fairytale, the episode contained a number of other cultural references . A rack full of Marvel Comics, including Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk, are shown in the opening scene, a double reference to both Marvel's parent company, Disney and the comic book's writer, Damon Lindelof, co-creator of Lost . An Apollo Bar was among the stolen items, and the Stranger's motorcycle license plate reads 23, both also references to Lost . Other comic books seen on the convenience store rack include various issues of Dazzler, Power Pack, West Coast Avengers, and Ka - Zar . </P>

Once upon a time season 1 episode 9