Following the announcement of a spinoff series from The Handmaid’s Tale, titled The Testaments, numerous updates have surfaced detailing the cast and narrative elements. This continuation is set 15 years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale and explores the lives of three women—Aunt Lydia, Agnes Jemima, and Daisy—as they navigate the evolving landscape of Gilead post-June Osborne’s capture by “the Eyes.”A pivotal twist reveals Aunt Lydia as a mole for the underground resistance movement, Mayday, prompting the trio to unite in a quest to dismantle the oppressive regime from within.
It is important to note that Hulu’s adaptation of The Handmaid’s Tale has made significant changes to character arcs and storylines, so viewers can anticipate similar creative liberties in The Testaments to maintain narrative coherence. While initial specifics were sparse, exciting information is beginning to emerge.
Latest Updates on The Testaments
Spinoff Greenlit & New Cast Announced
The spinoff has officially received the green light from Hulu, confirming its development after months of behind-the-scenes planning. Filming for The Testaments is slated to commence on April 7, 2025, although a precise production schedule is yet to be disclosed.
Accompanying this announcement are nine new cast members, joining previously revealed actors Chase Infiniti, Lucy Halliday, Ann Dowd, Rowan Blanchard, and Mattea Conforti. The newly joined ensemble features talents like Mabel Li, Amy Seimetz, Brad Alexander, Zarrin Darnell-Martin, Eva Foote, Isolde Ardies, Shechinah Mpumlwana, Birva Pandya, and Kira Guloien, with specific roles still under wraps. An image shared by Hulu showcases the full cast during a table read, elevating anticipation among fans.
It’s official! The Testaments, based on Margaret Atwood’s sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, starts production April 7. Ann Dowd will reprise her role as Aunt Lydia with Elisabeth Moss as an executive producer of the series. Follow @TestamentsHulu for more! @TestamentsHulu for more! pic.twitter.com/FxZBnjEDUD — Hulu (@hulu) April 1, 2025
The sixth and concluding season of The Handmaid’s Tale is set to premiere on April 8, 2025, paving the way for the spinoff’s arrival.
The Testaments Advancement
Significant Progress on The Spinoff
Initial rumors of the spinoff’s development surfaced back in September 2019, with Hulu and MGM TV exploring the potential of adapting The Testaments into a series. As details remained limited during that phase, renewed focus emerged in March 2023, following Bruce Miller’s announcement regarding his transition from the head showrunner of The Handmaid’s Tale to concentrate on the spinoff.
As The Handmaid’s Tale approaches its final chapter in early 2025, anticipation will steadily build for The Testaments. The spinoff received an official green light from Hulu in April 2025, culminating in progress that fans have been eagerly awaiting. Current indications point toward production starting in April 2025, though a firm release date remains uncertain. An early 2026 launch seems a more realistic timeline for the spinoff’s debut.
Cast of The Testaments
Ann Dowd Returns as Aunt Lydia
In a notable development, Ann Dowd is confirmed to reprise her role as the complex character, Aunt Lydia, in The Testaments. Alongside her, Chase Infiniti has been cast in a leading role, albeit details regarding her character remain undisclosed. Lucy Halliday, recognized for her role in Blue Jean, will embody June’s daughter, Daisy, who plays a vital role in the plot. Rowan Blanchard from Girl Meets World will also star as Gilead’s privileged youth, Shunammite, along with Mattea Conforti portraying Becka.
The cumulative cast has expanded with the inclusion of several new talents, announced in April 2024, though roles for these newcomers remain a mystery. The additional cast members consist of:
| Actor | Role in The Testaments |
|---|---|
| Ann Dowd | Aunt Lydia |
| Lucy Halliday | Daisy |
| Rowan Blanchard | Shunammite |
| Mattea Conforti | Becka |
| Chase Infiniti | Unknown |
| Mabel Li | Unknown |
| Amy Seimetz | Unknown |
| Brad Alexander | Unknown |
| Zarrin Darnell-Martin | Unknown |
| Eva Foote | Unknown |
| Isolde Ardies | Unknown |
| Shechinah Mpumlwana | Unknown |
| Birva Pandya | Unknown |
| Kira Guloien | Unknown |
Returning Characters from Handmaid’s Tale
Is June Set to Appear in the Spinoff?
Given that the spinoff is set 15 years after the original storyline, it’s anticipated that several characters from The Handmaid’s Tale may reprise their roles in The Testaments. With Ann Dowd confirmed to return, fans can also look forward to the appearances of June’s children, Nichole and Hannah (known as Daisy and Agnes in the book), taking center stage as protagonists. However, these roles will likely be portrayed by different, older actors.
There remains a potential for a cameo by Elisabeth Moss as June, particularly since the conclusion of the sequel novel features reunions with “Daisy/Nichole”and “Agnes.”Even if the writers opt to eliminate June’s character in Season 6, flashbacks or recorded messages could still surface, akin to her poignant scene with Luke in season 3, episode 5, “Unknown Caller.”
Exploring The Testaments’ Narrative
What is the Plot of The Testaments?
Although it remains uncertain whether the series will adhere strictly to the original timeline, The Testaments unfolds 15 years after the conclusion of The Handmaid’s Tale. This narrative shifts its focus from June Osborne (Offred) to three central women: the notorious Aunt Lydia, revealed as a double agent for Mayday, along with Agnes Jemima and Daisy (born Nichole). The characters’ disparate journeys converge as they align with Mayday, collectively tasked with uprooting Gilead from within.
Since season 3 of The Handmaid’s Tale wrapped around the time of Atwood’s sequel’s release in 2019, the showrunners faced the challenge of efficiently transitioning the narrative into The Testaments. This adaptation took considerable time, but the finale of season 5 foreshadowed Aunt Lydia’s growing dissent against Gilead’s brutal regime, evidenced by her responses to the mistreatment of characters like Esther Keyes (Mckenna Grace) and Janine. With The Handmaid’s Tale moving towards its final season, viewers can expect Aunt Lydia’s transformation into the revolutionary figure depicted in The Testaments.