Fans of The Handmaid’s Tale have something exciting on the horizon—Hulu’s highly anticipated sequel series, The Testaments, has officially found its lead cast. Lucy Halliday has been cast as Daisy, alongside Chase Infiniti, while Ann Dowd will reprise her Emmy-winning role as the formidable Aunt Lydia. This continuation of The Handmaid’s Tale universe is set roughly 15 years after the events of the original series, promising to shed new light on the inner workings of Gilead as it nears its downfall.
A Return to Gilead with a New Perspective
The series is based on The Testaments, Margaret Atwood’s 2019 sequel to her groundbreaking 1985 novel. Unlike its predecessor, which was told exclusively from Offred’s (June Osborne’s) point of view, The Testaments unfolds through three different narrators, offering a broader perspective on the oppressive theocratic regime. Ann Dowd’s Aunt Lydia is one of these narrators, which strongly suggests her character will play an even more central role in the new series, potentially revealing previously hidden motivations and backstory.
Joining Lydia in the narrative is Daisy, a teenager raised in Canada who is thrust into the conflict against Gilead after uncovering shocking truths about her past. Lucy Halliday’s casting in this role hints at a powerful storyline of rebellion and espionage, as Daisy represents the next generation of resistance fighters. Meanwhile, Chase Infiniti’s casting adds further intrigue, though their specific role remains under wraps.
What The Testaments Brings to the Story
The Testaments was widely celebrated for its expansion of the Handmaid’s Tale universe, providing a more intricate look at the cracks forming within Gilead. Unlike The Handmaid’s Tale, which primarily depicted the regime’s iron grip through June’s limited perspective, The Testaments gives insight into how Gilead’s inner power structures operate—and more importantly, how they begin to unravel.
The novel won the 2019 Booker Prize, making Atwood one of the few authors to receive the award twice (she previously won for The Blind Assassin in 2000). The book’s reception was largely positive, praised for its timely themes of authoritarianism, resistance, and the fragility of oppressive regimes. The TV adaptation is expected to explore these themes in depth, possibly drawing parallels to real-world political climates, much like its predecessor did.
Ann Dowd’s Return and Aunt Lydia’s Transformation
Ann Dowd’s return as Aunt Lydia is a major draw for fans, as the character undergoes one of the most complex transformations in The Testaments. While The Handmaid’s Tale depicted her as a ruthless enforcer of Gilead’s brutal laws, the sequel suggests a deeper, more conflicted side to her. Without giving away spoilers, the novel hints that Lydia’s role in Gilead may be more nuanced than previously believed, raising questions about her true loyalties.
Dowd’s portrayal of Lydia has been widely acclaimed, earning her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 2017. Her return signals that The Testaments will dive deeper into Lydia’s psyche, possibly even rewriting how audiences perceive her character.
How The Testaments Could Expand the TV Universe
Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale has already expanded beyond the source material, extending its story well past the book’s original ending. With The Testaments, the series has a fresh opportunity to introduce new characters, deepen the political intrigue of Gilead, and explore the growing resistance both inside and outside the regime.
While there’s no official release date yet, The Testaments is poised to be a must-watch event for Handmaid’s Tale fans, bringing Atwood’s world full circle while offering a long-awaited glimpse into Gilead’s fate. If the adaptation remains faithful to the novel, viewers can expect a gripping, multi-layered story of power, rebellion, and redemption—one that could redefine the way we see both old and new characters.
Are you excited to return to Gilead? Let us know your thoughts on The Testaments and its casting choices!
Key Takeaways
- Lucy Halliday, Chase Infiniti, and Ann Dowd will lead the cast of “The Testaments,” Hulu’s sequel to “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
- The series will be set 15 years after the original show, continuing the exploration of life under Gilead’s rule.
- Ann Dowd’s return as Aunt Lydia provides narrative continuity between the original series and the upcoming sequel.
Cast and Characters in the Sequel
The upcoming sequel to “The Handmaid’s Tale” features a compelling trio of actresses who will bring the dystopian world of Gilead to life. Each actor has been carefully selected to portray characters from Margaret Atwood’s follow-up novel “The Testaments.”
Lucy Halliday
Lucy Halliday has been cast as Daisy, a young Canadian teenager. Her character represents a fresh perspective on the totalitarian society of Gilead from an outsider’s viewpoint. Halliday previously appeared in the critically acclaimed film “Blue Jean,” which helped establish her as a rising talent in the industry.
Daisy’s character will likely offer viewers insights into how the world beyond Gilead’s borders views the oppressive regime. This casting decision suggests the sequel will explore themes of resistance and external perspectives on Gilead’s practices.
The role marks a significant career advancement for Halliday, placing her alongside established actors in what is expected to be a high-profile production for Hulu.
Chase Infiniti
Chase Infiniti will portray Agnes, one of the three main protagonists in “The Testaments.” Agnes is a character who grew up within Gilead’s strict society, providing viewers with an insider’s perspective of life under the theocratic regime.
Her character represents the generation that has known little outside Gilead’s oppressive system. This viewpoint creates dramatic tension as she navigates her identity within a world that strictly controls women’s lives and bodies.
Infiniti’s casting suggests the production team is bringing fresh talent to the franchise while maintaining continuity with the themes established in the original series.
Ann Dowd
Ann Dowd returns to reprise her role as Aunt Lydia, the only character from the original series confirmed to appear in “The Testaments.” Dowd’s portrayal of Aunt Lydia in “The Handmaid’s Tale” earned critical acclaim for her chilling depiction of the complex villain.
In the sequel, set more than 15 years after the events of the original series, viewers will see how Aunt Lydia’s character has evolved. The time jump allows for significant character development and potentially new motivations for this key figure in Gilead’s power structure.
Dowd’s return provides an important connection between the two series, giving fans a familiar character to follow into this new chapter of the story.
Setting and Timeline
The upcoming sequel to “The Handmaid’s Tale” takes viewers back to the Republic of Gilead with a significantly advanced timeline. This shift allows for new storytelling possibilities while maintaining the dystopian elements that defined the original series.
Exploring Gilead’s Dystopian Theocracy
Gilead remains the central setting for “The Testaments,” continuing to showcase the harsh theocratic regime that seized power in the former United States. The series will likely reveal how the society has evolved over time, potentially showing areas where control has strengthened or weakened.
Toronto has been confirmed as the filming location, suggesting that the series may continue to contrast life in Gilead with the refugee experience in Canada. This juxtaposition was a powerful element in the original series.
Viewers can expect to see familiar landmarks and institutions from “The Handmaid’s Tale,” now altered by the passage of time. The visual representation of Gilead’s evolution will provide important context for the new characters and storylines.
Sequel’s Timeframe: Over 15 Years Later
“The Testaments” is set more than 15 years after the events depicted in “The Handmaid’s Tale.” This significant time jump allows the story to explore how Gilead has changed through a generation of rule.
The advanced timeline enables the introduction of new characters like Daisy, played by Lucy Halliday, who would have been very young or not yet born during the original series. This creates opportunities to show how the next generation views this oppressive society.
The time gap also permits returning characters to have undergone substantial changes. Ann Dowd’s return suggests her character Aunt Lydia has survived and potentially evolved during this period.
This extended timeframe will likely show the long-term impact of Gilead’s policies on its citizens and the world at large, addressing questions left unanswered in the original series.
Frequently Asked Questions
“The Testaments” sequel series brings viewers back to Gilead many years after “The Handmaid’s Tale” with new and returning characters, evolving storylines, and fresh perspectives on this dystopian world.
Who are the main characters in ‘The Testaments’, and how are they connected to the original ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ series?
Lucy Halliday has been cast as Daisy, one of the lead characters in “The Testaments.” Her character represents a new generation growing up in the shadow of Gilead’s influence.
Chase Infiniti will co-lead the series alongside Halliday. While details about Chase’s specific character remain limited, they will play a central role in the continuation of the Gilead story.
Ann Dowd is reprising her role as Aunt Lydia from “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Her character’s evolution over the 15+ year time gap will provide continuity between the two series.
What new developments in the society of Gilead can viewers expect to see in ‘The Testaments’ adaptation?
“The Testaments” takes place more than 15 years after the events of “The Handmaid’s Tale.” This time jump allows viewers to see how Gilead has evolved as a regime over a generation.
The sequel explores the beginning of potential cracks in Gilead’s foundation. Internal power struggles and resistance movements have matured and developed new strategies.
The series will likely show how Gilead’s relationships with other nations have changed over time, including refugee communities and international diplomatic situations.
In what ways will the sequel series ‘The Testaments’ differ from the book written by Margaret Atwood?
While based on Atwood’s novel, the television adaptation may expand certain storylines to create a full series format. This could include developing background stories for characters who received less attention in the book.
The show will likely incorporate visual elements and worldbuilding established in “The Handmaid’s Tale” TV series. This ensures continuity in the visual language between the two shows.
Casting choices, particularly bringing back Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia, suggest the series will maintain character connections that viewers are already familiar with.
Which themes from ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ will continue to be explored in ‘The Testaments’ series?
Resistance and rebellion remain central themes, though they take different forms than in the original series. The perspective shifts to include those who grew up knowing only Gilead’s reality.
Identity and memory play significant roles as characters wrestle with questions of belonging. The series explores how truth survives in a society built on propaganda and control.
The consequences of extremism continue to be examined through the lens of those who helped build Gilead and those who seek to bring it down.
How will the character of Ann Dowd evolve in ‘The Testaments’, and what is her role in the new storyline?
Ann Dowd’s Aunt Lydia undergoes significant character development in “The Testaments.” Her motivations and allegiances become more complex as Gilead ages.
Lydia possesses information and influence built over decades of service. Her position gives her unique insight into Gilead’s innermost workings and secrets.
The character serves as a bridge between the two series. Her presence connects viewers to the original show while offering a new perspective on how Gilead functions.
What is the anticipated release date for ‘The Testaments’ television series, and which platforms will it be available on?
“The Testaments” will stream exclusively on Hulu, the same platform that hosts “The Handmaid’s Tale.” This ensures continuity in how viewers can access the Gilead storyline.
While an official release date has not yet been announced, the active casting suggests the production is moving forward. Industry observers expect the series might premiere in late 2025 or 2026.
The show is still in early production stages with cast members like Lucy Halliday and Chase Infiniti recently being announced.
