Hulu has announced the cast for its highly anticipated spinoff, The Testaments, expanding the universe of The Handmaid’s Tale. This new series, based on Margaret Atwood‘s 2019 novel, is set to explore the aftermath of Gilead’s oppressive regime, introducing new characters alongside familiar faces from the original series.
The Handmaid’s Tale, which first premiered in 2017, adapted Atwood’s 1985 novel, depicting a dystopian future where women are forced into childbearing roles due to declining fertility rates. The original series featured a strong ensemble cast, including Elisabeth Moss, Yvonne Strahovski, and Ann Dowd, who returns to her role as Aunt Lydia in the spinoff. The final season of The Handmaid’s Tale was announced in 2022, leading creator Bruce Miller to transition to The Testaments, with executive producers Eric Tuchman and Yahlin Chang taking over day-to-day operations of the flagship series.
New Characters and Storylines
Set 15 years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale, The Testaments will be narrated by Aunt Lydia, who plays a crucial role in the internal resistance against Gilead. New characters like Agnes and Daisy will emerge, navigating their lives as they gather and smuggle information about Gilead’s regime. Agnes, previously known as Hannah, is June’s daughter raised in Gilead, while Daisy is a Canadian teenager whose life becomes intertwined with the rebellion.
Atwood discussed her vision for the spinoff, stating, “Although I could not continue with the story of Offred, I could continue with three other people concerned in these events and tell the story of the beginning of the end.” She also emphasized the series’ exploration of how oppressive regimes ultimately collapse, a theme further illustrated by the narrative’s new costume choices that reflect character identities.
Meet the Cast of The Testaments
The cast of The Testaments includes:
– **Ann Dowd** returns as Aunt Lydia, a key figure orchestrating Gilead’s downfall from within.
– **Chase Infiniti** plays Agnes, who evolves from a Gilead resident to an active member of the resistance.
– **Lucy Halliday** portrays Daisy, a Canadian teenager whose fate becomes intertwined with the fight against Gilead.
– **Rowan Blanchard** takes on the role of Shunammite, a wealthy Gilead girl whose story intersects with Agnes and Daisy.
– **Mattea Conforti** features as Becka, a kind but shy girl from a lower-class background who joins the cause.
– **Mabel Li** plays Aunt Vidala, a powerful Aunt striving for authority within Gilead.
– **Amy Seimetz** will be seen as Paula, Agnes’ stern stepmother.
With a narrative that promises to delve deeper into the complexities of Gilead’s society and the resistance against it, The Testaments is poised to captivate fans of the original series. As production moves forward, viewers anticipate how this new chapter will unfold and what familiar faces might make appearances in this gripping continuation of Atwood’s dystopian universe.
