Hulu is set to expand its acclaimed series, The Handmaid’s Tale, with the upcoming spinoff titled The Testaments. This new chapter introduces an ensemble cast that includes familiar faces from the original series, which first premiered in 2017, adapted from Margaret Atwood‘s seminal novel.
The original series paints a bleak picture of a dystopian future where plummeting fertility rates have led to women being assigned to men for reproduction. Since its debut, the show has featured a talented cast, including Elisabeth Moss, Yvonne Strahovski, and Ann Dowd. Following the announcement of the final season in 2022, creator Bruce Miller stepped back from his role as showrunner to focus on The Testaments, while executive producers Eric Tuchman and Yahlin Chang have taken charge of the flagship series.
In an interview with TVLine, Miller noted that while The Testaments is a sequel, it will not follow the original storyline precisely. He stated, “Margaret writes these absolutely deliciously specific characters. We had to go away from that in The Handmaid’s Tale, and we’re going to have to go away from that in The Testaments.”
New Characters and Narrative Focus
Set 15 years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale, The Testaments will be narrated by Aunt Lydia, portrayed by Dowd, who returns as a pivotal figure in the downfall of Gilead. The narrative introduces new characters, including Agnes, a young woman raised in Gilead, and Daisy, a Canadian teenager who becomes instrumental in exposing the regime’s brutality.
Atwood, who remains involved in the development of the spinoff, expressed her enthusiasm for exploring the collapse of Gilead. She remarked, “We know from The Handmaid’s Tale that Gilead vanishes… How do these kinds of regimes disappear? I was interested in exploring that.”
The author also teased new costume designs, reflecting the characters’ identities and roles within the story. “Human beings throughout time love outfits that tell you who you’re looking at,” she said, indicating that visual storytelling will play an essential role in this new series.
Introducing the Cast
The cast of The Testaments features a mix of returning actors and new faces. Dowd reprises her role as Aunt Lydia, while Chase Infiniti will portray Agnes, who takes on a leadership role in the resistance against Gilead.
Lucy Halliday plays Daisy, whose life becomes entwined with the resistance movement. Meanwhile, Rowan Blanchard will portray Shunammite, a privileged girl from Gilead whose story intersects with Agnes and Daisy’s journey.
Other notable cast members include Mattea Conforti, who plays Becka, a shy girl from a humble background, and Mabel Li, cast as Aunt Vidala, a powerful figure within Gilead. The character of Paula, Agnes’ harsh stepmother, will be portrayed by Amy Seimetz.
As anticipation builds for The Testaments, audiences can expect a compelling narrative that delves deeper into the universe Atwood originally created, while also highlighting fresh perspectives on the fight against oppression. The spinoff promises to engage viewers with its exploration of resilience and resistance within a repressive regime.
