Hulu Announces Production Start for “The Testaments”
Official news has emerged: “The Testaments,”the eagerly awaited follow-up series to “The Handmaid’s Tale,”is set to begin production on April 7. Hulu shared this exciting announcement alongside an image from the initial table read. Notably, Ann Dowd will reprise her role as Aunt Lydia, and Elisabeth Moss will serve as an executive producer, continuing her multifaceted involvement after starring and directing in the original series.
New and Returning Cast Members
The upcoming series will feature previously announced leads Chase Infiniti as Agnes and Lucy Halliday as Daisy, along with new additions to the cast: Mabel Li, Amy Seimetz, Brad Alexander, Zarrin Darnell-Martin, Eva Foote, Isolde Ardies, Shechinah Mpumlwana, Birva Pandya, and Kira Guloien. Additionally, Rowan Blanchard and Mattea Conforti will play key roles as Shunammite and Becka, respectively.
Adaptation and Production Background
Based on Margaret Atwood’s 2019 novel, “The Testaments”will be helmed by Bruce Miller, who has been at the creative helm of “The Handmaid’s Tale”since its inception. Following the series’ initial announcement in 2019, development has progressed with MGM, and Miller began serious work on the project in 2022. Notably, he has handed day-to-day oversight of the final season of “The Handmaid’s Tale”to co-showrunners Eric Tuchman and Yahlin Chang, with the concluding episodes set to premiere on April 8.
A Continuation of the Gilead Narrative
This new series will delve deeper into the world of Gilead, taking place years after “The Handmaid’s Tale.”In particular, the narrative follows Agnes, the Gilead name for Hannah, who is the daughter of June Osborne, portrayed by Moss. The ongoing storyline has largely focused on June’s battle to reunite with her daughter, and “The Testaments”promises to further explore Hannah/Agnes’ journey within Gilead’s oppressive confines.
Elisabeth Moss Reflects on Motherhood
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Moss shared her personal connection to the character of June, especially as she navigates motherhood while bringing the character’s journey to a close. “Ending this show as a mom has been incredibly meaningful to me,” she stated. “Given that I portray an iconic mother figure, every mother is a heroine, and June certainly exemplifies that.”
Story Themes and Character Dynamics
Described as a coming-of-age tale, “The Testaments”introduces a new generation of women in Gilead who confront the harsh realities of their environment. These young women, indoctrinated into Gilead’s ways, have no recollection of the world before, and as they face the grim prospect of arranged marriages and servitude, they must seek allies to help them navigate their fight for autonomy and a brighter future.
Character Synopsis
Here are the character highlights provided by Hulu (excluding Aunt Lydia and Agnes):
Impact and Legacy
The upcoming launch of “The Testaments”symbolizes the continued successful collaboration between Miller, Atwood, and executive producer Warren Littlefield, following the impactful debut of “The Handmaid’s Tale”in 2017. This original series not only marked a pivotal moment for Hulu’s scripted productions but also achieved historic acclaim as the first streaming show to win the Emmy for Best Drama, overshadowing competitors like Netflix and Amazon. Dowd received the Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in this period, along with further nominations in subsequent years.
Production Team
Produced by MGM Television, “The Testaments”sees Miller as both showrunner and executive producer, collaborating with Littlefield of The Littlefield Company, alongside Moss and other notable producers, including Steve Stark, Shana Stein, Maya Goldsmith, John Weber, Sheila Hockin, Daniel Wilson, Fran Sears, and Mike Barker, who will direct the show’s initial three episodes.