It’s actually kinda wild when you think about it. Most TV show romances end the minute the director yells "wrap" on the series finale. Or, you know, three months into a messy tabloid cycle. But for Josh Dallas and Ginnifer Goodwin, the "Once Upon a Time" magic didn't just stay in Storybrooke.
Honestly, it’s 2026, and they’re basically the gold standard for how to handle a high-profile Hollywood marriage without losing your mind.
You’ve probably seen the headlines lately because of Zootopia 2. Ginnifer is back voicing the iconic Judy Hopps, and the movie is absolutely crushing it at the box office. But the real kicker? Their kids just made their red carpet debut. After years of being super private—like, "blurring out faces on Instagram" private—the whole family showed up for the premiere in November 2025.
It was a huge moment for fans who have been following them since the Snow White and Prince Charming days.
The "Blinding Light" Moment: How Josh Dallas and Ginnifer Goodwin Actually Met
Let’s go back to 2011. The pilot of Once Upon a Time was filming in Vancouver. Josh Dallas has said in a bunch of interviews that meeting Ginny hit him like a "blinding light." Pretty poetic for a guy literally playing a prince, right?
But it wasn't exactly a simple start.
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At the time, Ginnifer was engaged to actor Joey Kern, and Josh was still technically married to Sherlock actress Lara Pulver. By the time the show really kicked off, both were single, and the chemistry was... well, it was obvious. They weren't just "playing" a couple; they were becoming one.
That Famous Disneyland Trip
You might have heard the story about Big Thunder Mountain. It’s basically lore at this point. Ginnifer told a story on Live with Kelly and Michael years ago about taking Josh to Disneyland for his very first time. They were on the ride, he threw his arms up and yelled, "This is the best day of my life!"
Right then, she knew. She was gonna marry him.
They eventually tied the knot in April 2014. It was a small, intimate ceremony in California. No massive media circus, just a few friends, family, and a very pregnant Ginnifer.
Why Josh Dallas and Ginnifer Goodwin Are Dominating 2026
Fast forward to today. While many of their peers have faded into the "where are they now?" category, these two are everywhere.
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Josh Dallas recently wrapped up the massive cultural phenomenon that was Manifest. Playing Ben Stone for four seasons (and that final Netflix revival) turned him into a different kind of leading man. He wasn't just the "pretty prince" anymore; he was the face of one of the biggest streaming hits of the decade.
Ginnifer Goodwin, meanwhile, has become a Disney powerhouse.
- Zootopia 2 (released late 2025) has already crossed the $1.6 billion mark.
- She’s been nominated for an EDA Award for her voice performance.
- There are even rumors of her returning for a Once Upon a Time reboot or "legacy" project, which she’s openly said she’s down for.
The Parenting "Dry Run"
The biggest news recently was their sons, Oliver (11) and Hugo (9), finally stepping into the spotlight. Ginnifer recently hopped on Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s podcast, Dinner's On Me, and explained that they actually did a "dry run" of the red carpet before the Zootopia 2 premiere.
They practiced the flashing lights and the screaming fans at home because they wanted the boys to feel safe.
It’s that kind of intentionality that makes them different. They aren't "stage parents." In fact, Ginny used to say she wanted to keep them as far away from show business as possible. But the boys "campaigned" to go to the premiere because they love the movie so much.
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The Rules That Keep Them Grounded
Being a celeb couple in 2026 is a nightmare of TikTok rumors and AI deepfakes. How do they do it? Basically, they have a set of non-negotiable rules.
- No Googling: The kids are strictly forbidden from Googling themselves or their parents.
- Social Media Privacy: Even though they showed up on the red carpet, you still won't see their faces plastered all over Josh or Ginny's personal Instagram feeds without reason.
- The "Normal" Life: For Ginnifer’s 47th birthday recently, she didn't go to some fancy gala. She sat in a "really comfy chair," drank coffee, watched her sons play soccer, and had spaghetti for dinner.
That’s the secret. They treat the glitz like a job and the "spaghetti and soccer" like the real world.
What’s Next for the Couple?
If you're looking for more of them, keep an eye on the 2026 award season. Zootopia 2 is a frontrunner for the Annies and the Oscars, so expect more family appearances.
There's also constant chatter about a project where they might actually act together again. Since Once Upon a Time ended in 2018, we haven't seen them share the screen in a major way. Josh has been busy with the mystery of Flight 828, and Ginny has been doing everything from Why Women Kill to major voice work.
Actionable Insight for Fans:
If you’re a "Oncer" or a Manifest fan, the best way to support them right now is by catching Zootopia 2 in theaters. Also, if you’re hoping for that reboot, Ginnifer mentioned at D23 that she’s "available," so the ball is basically in Disney’s court.
Keep your expectations measured, though. They’ve proven they won't take a job just for the paycheck if it messes with their family dynamic. And honestly? That’s why we still love them.
Check out the latest Zootopia 2 updates or re-watch Manifest on Netflix to see Josh in peak "dad-detective" mode. It’s worth the binge.