Ann Dowd and ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ Team Tease Upcoming Sequel Series ‘The Testaments’

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As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that even though The Handmaid’s Tale might be nearing its conclusion, Hulu isn’t bidding adieu to Gilead just yet! In fact, this week, the streaming platform officially greenlit the sequel, The Testaments, for a series. Can’t wait to dive back into this captivating world!

The upcoming sequel to “The Gilead Series” will be based on Margaret Atwood’s 2019 novel of the same name and feature Ann Dowd reprising her role as Aunt Lydia. Star of “Handmaid’s Tale”, Elisabeth Moss, is set to executive produce. The storyline will focus on June’s (Moss’s character) daughter, Hannah, who goes by Agnes in Gilead. Important details about the series were shared during the premiere of “The Handmaid’s Tale”‘s final season on Wednesday.

Bruce Miller, the creator responsible for the initial series, shared with The Hollywood Reporter that “The Testaments” unfolds four years after the conclusion of “The Handmaid’s Tale.” The narrative centers around Agnes MacKenzie, a character living within Gilead, as she gradually uncovers her true identity. In the end of the book “The Testaments,” they dismantle Gilead, which is the objective of the series and Agnes’ personal journey towards self-discovery.

He goes on to say, ‘We aimed not to replicate the same show; it features fresher voices, a distinctly different atmosphere, and a unique energy. Yet, it remains set in Gilead. I hope that the familiar elements keep viewers engaged as they discover the new, exhilarating aspects.’

Warren Littlefield, the executive producer, remarked, “Since these female characters have only ever known life in Gilead, their perspective and reference points are distinctly unique.” He also hinted at a fresh visual approach for the show, saying, “The setting is pastoral, it’s beautiful, it features different architectural styles, color schemes, and an exceptional young cast. However, remember that Gilead still exists, so its darker aspects will also emerge.

In the upcoming series “Presumed Innocent”, Chase Infiniti will portray Agnes alongside Lucy Halliday as Daisy. Production for this show starts on April 7th. Dowd expressed that her final day on “The Handmaid’s Tale” was wonderful but leaving was tough; she cried at the end. She is incredibly grateful and loves everyone associated with the project, making it hard to say goodbye. Dowd considers herself fortunate to continue within the universe of Gilead.

I find it both thrilling and a bit anxious, but I’ve been fortunate enough to meet these actresses, and I can’t wait to collaborate with them,” she commented further.

The last season of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” consisting of six episodes, starts airing on April 8th, with new episodes being released every week until the final episode on May 27th.

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2025-04-03 20:24