Why would Hook need a “replacement”? Based on Paleyfest, it sounded like the finale will not only focus strongly on Hook (and possibly Peter Pan), but that Colin O’Donoghue would have a big role to play in that process. Will Colin O’Donoghue not be in the finale?
I think what GK is saying is that Hook has been missing for several years now from Neverland. Thus the crew needed a new captain. Hook/Colin isn’t going anywhere.
So, if I had to guess, Captain Hook left Neverland well before Baelfire did. Yet, it’s still possible that without either Peter or Hook to keep Neverland in check, the lost boys went sorta crazy and lawless like in Lord of the Flies.
I’ve been thinking that Bae didn’t leave Neverland until the curse, that somehow someone (fairies) got him out of Neverland and into our world. I think this was all part of those “final preparations” Blue mentions in “The Stranger”
Let’s hope so, though I still have foreboding thoughts. 😕 Yet, of course, I’ll hold out hope for Rumple until the cows come home.
You and me both.