Hulu’s The Testaments: Everything You Need to Know About The Handmaid’s Tale Spinoff

The Handmaid’s Tale, Hulu’s critically acclaimed adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s iconic novel, has captivated audiences since its premiere in 2017. The show, set in a dystopian future where women’s bodies are controlled by a oppressive regime, has become a cultural phenomenon, sparking conversation about feminism, power, and resistance. Now, as The Handmaid’s Tale prepares to conclude with its sixth and final season, fans are eagerly anticipating its spinoff, The Testaments. This new series promises to expand the world of Gilead, delving into the aftermath of the original story and exploring the downfall of the oppressive regime.

Where Is The Testaments Set?

The Testaments is set 15 years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale. The spinoff revisits the dystopian world of Gilead, focusing on new characters while still tying back to familiar faces. The story is narrated by Aunt Lydia, a complex and controversial figure played by Ann Dowd, who has become a symbol of both oppression and resistance. The narrative follows three women: Agnes, a young girl growing up in Gilead, and Daisy (also known as Nicole), a character with ties to Canada. Together, they embark on a dangerous mission to gather and smuggle incriminating information about Gilead’s regime, posing as “Pearl Girls” to infiltrate Canada. Aunt Lydia, meanwhile, operates as a covert source within Gilead, working to undermine the regime from the inside.

The time jump allows the series to explore how Gilead has evolved—or devolved—since the events of the original series. While June Osbourne (played by Elisabeth Moss) was a central figure in The Handmaid’s Tale, The Testaments shifts the focus to the next generation, examining their struggles and the legacy of the resistance. The series also delves into the global implications of Gilead’s regime, particularly its impact on neighboring countries like Canada, which has long served as a refuge for escapees.

Is The Testaments Based on a Book in The Handmaid’s Tale Franchise?

Yes, The Testaments is based on Margaret Atwood’s 2019 novel of the same name, which serves as a direct sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale. The book is structured as a series of testimonies from three women: Aunt Lydia, Agnes, and Daisy. These testimonies are presented as part of a manuscript, offering a unique perspective on the inner workings of Gilead and the efforts to dismantle it from within.

Atwood wrote The Testaments after seeing the success of The Handmaid’s Tale adaptation, which inspired her to revisit the world she created. The novel explores themes of power, resistance, and survival, while also shedding light on the eventual collapse of Gilead. Atwood has said that she was fascinated by the question of how oppressive regimes like Gilead ultimately fall, and The Testaments provides a gripping answer.

The audiobook version of The Testaments also features an all-star cast, including Ann Dowd reprising her role as Aunt Lydia, Bryce Dallas Howard as Agnes, and Mae Whitman as Daisy. Margaret Atwood herself narrates portions of the epilogue, adding an extra layer of depth to the story.

What Is the Vision for the New Series?

Margaret Atwood has been heavily involved in the development of The Testaments, ensuring that the series remains true to the spirit of her novel. In interviews, Atwood has expressed her enthusiasm for exploring the next chapter of Gilead’s story, particularly the roles of women in the regime’s downfall. She has also hinted at new costume designs, reflecting the evolving dynamics of power in Gilead.

When asked about her vision for the series, Atwood emphasized her interest in examining how authoritarian regimes collapse. “How do these kinds of regimes disappear?” she mused. “I was interested in exploring that.” The series also promises to delve deeper into the complexities of Aunt Lydia, a character whose motivations have always been shrouded in mystery.

Atwood has worked closely with the creative team behind The Handmaid’s Tale, including former showrunner Bruce Miller, who stepped down to focus on The Testaments. While Atwood has no formal role in the series, she has shared her insights and feedback, ensuring that the show aligns with her creative vision.

When Will The Testaments Premiere on Hulu?

Hulu and MGM have yet to announce an official release date for The Testaments. However, the plan is to premiere the series after The Handmaid’s Tale concludes its sixth and final season in 2025. This timeline ensures that fans can fully immerse themselves in the conclusion of June’s story before diving into the next chapter of the Gilead saga.

The production team is taking its time to develop The Testaments, with a focus on maintaining the high standards set by The Handmaid’s Tale. The series has already generated significant buzz, with fans eagerly anticipating its arrival.

Will Characters from The Handmaid’s Tale Make Cameos?

One of the most pressing questions for fans is whether characters from The Handmaid’s Tale will appear in The Testaments. While the spinoff focuses on new characters, there are strong hints that familiar faces may make cameos. Ann Dowd has confirmed that she will reprise her role as Aunt Lydia, and there is speculation that Elisabeth Moss could return as June.

June’s children, Nichole (also known as Daisy) and Hannah (known as Agnes in the books), are central to The Testaments. While they were babies in The Handmaid’s Tale, they will be aged up for the spinoff, with Chase Infiniti set to play Agnes. Fans are hopeful that Moss will appear in some capacity, even if only through flashbacks or recorded messages, as the series has previously used such devices to bring back characters.

In summary, The Testaments promises to be a compelling continuation of The Handmaid’s Tale universe, offering fresh perspectives while staying true to the themes and tone that made the original series so beloved. With its talented cast, rich source material, and timely commentary, The Testaments is poised to captivate audiences just as its predecessor did.