Hulu’s critically acclaimed The Handmaid’s Tale may have concluded with its sixth season, but the dystopian world of Gilead is far from over. The streaming platform is now developing The Testaments, a high-stakes sequel series based on Margaret Atwood’s 2019 Booker Prize-winning novel. With production already underway as of April 2025 and a premiere expected in 2026, The Testaments is poised to expand the universe with new perspectives, new characters, and deeper insight into the regime’s eventual collapse.
A New Era Begins: Story and Setting
Set approximately 15 years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale novel — and about five years after the conclusion of the TV series — The Testaments centers on the eventual unraveling of Gilead through the eyes of three women whose lives are irreversibly shaped by its ideology:
- Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) returns, more dangerous and layered than ever. She now walks a fine line between her loyalty to Gilead and her covert alliance with Mayday, the underground resistance. Her character is expected to play a pivotal role in orchestrating the regime’s downfall from within.
- Agnes Jemima, also known as Hannah (portrayed by Chase Infiniti), is June and Luke’s daughter who has grown up within Gilead’s strict confines. Unaware of her true parentage, Agnes chooses to become an Aunt rather than submit to an arranged marriage, setting her on a path of spiritual and ideological awakening.
- Daisy (Lucy Halliday), born Nicole, was smuggled into Canada as a baby. Raised in freedom, her life is turned upside down by a shocking attack that draws her into the resistance — and into direct confrontation with her past.
Together, these three characters form the backbone of a narrative that explores themes of identity, rebellion, intergenerational trauma, and institutional corruption.
Continuity and Expansion
The transition from The Handmaid’s Tale to The Testaments is being carefully managed by showrunner Bruce Miller, with original cast and crew helping maintain narrative continuity. Elisabeth Moss, who led the original series as June Osborne, returns in an executive producer role. While her on-screen return has not been confirmed, Bruce Miller has teased that June’s legacy — and possibly June herself — will be acknowledged.
This spiritual and political successor is not just a spin-off; it’s the next chapter in Hulu’s dystopian saga. While The Handmaid’s Tale was largely told through June’s eyes, The Testaments offers a broader, more systemic examination of Gilead’s internal fractures and external threats.
Cast and New Faces
Alongside returning Emmy-winner Ann Dowd, The Testaments introduces a wave of fresh talent:
- Chase Infiniti as Agnes
- Lucy Halliday as Daisy/Nicole
- Rowan Blanchard as Shunammite, a privileged young Gileadean indoctrinated into the regime
- Amy Seimetz, Mabel Li, and Brad Alexander in undisclosed but reportedly central roles
These casting choices suggest a generational shift in the narrative focus, highlighting the next wave of voices shaped by — and rebelling against — Gilead’s doctrines.
Tying Into The Handmaid’s Tale Finale
The finale of The Handmaid’s Tale laid the groundwork for The Testaments in subtle but meaningful ways. Key developments, including the deaths of major figures and the emotional return of Emily (Alexis Bledel), closed June’s arc while signaling a broader transformation underway in the world of Gilead. The Testaments picks up these narrative threads and follows how the next generation interprets — and challenges — the legacy left behind.
Streaming Plans
The Testaments will be available exclusively on Hulu, joining its predecessor as part of the platform’s prestige lineup. Although Hulu has yet to announce a firm premiere date, the show is expected to debut sometime in 2026, with speculation suggesting a spring or early summer release.
For fans looking to catch up, all six seasons of The Handmaid’s Tale are currently streaming on Hulu, offering ample time to revisit the story before the next chapter begins.
With its rich source material, powerhouse cast, and renewed focus on rebellion from within Gilead, The Testaments has all the ingredients to become another landmark entry in Hulu’s portfolio. As the countdown to 2026 continues, viewers can prepare for a gripping new chapter in Margaret Atwood’s haunting vision of the future.
Key Takeaways
- “The Testaments” takes place 15 years after “The Handmaid’s Tale” and follows three female narrators as Gilead begins to crumble.
- The Hulu sequel series is based on Margaret Atwood’s award-winning 2019 novel that continues her dystopian vision.
- Characters and plot elements from the final season of “The Handmaid’s Tale” will connect directly to the new series.
Overview of The Testaments (Hulu) as a Sequel
The Testaments stands as Hulu’s continuation of The Handmaid’s Tale story, taking viewers deeper into the dystopian world of Gilead with new perspectives and characters. The series builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor while exploring fresh narrative territory.
Plot Continuation After The Handmaid’s Tale
The Testaments is set 15 years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale, offering viewers a glimpse into how Gilead has evolved over time. This time jump allows the show to explore the long-term impacts of the totalitarian regime on both its citizens and those who have escaped.
The sequel follows a new generation coming of age within Gilead’s oppressive system. Specifically, it centers on three main characters whose stories intertwine to reveal different aspects of life under the regime.
Unlike the original series which focused primarily on June’s perspective, The Testaments broadens its scope to show multiple viewpoints of Gilead’s society. This approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of how the country functions and the various forms of resistance developing within and beyond its borders.
Connection to Margaret Atwood’s 2019 Novel
The Hulu series is based on Margaret Atwood’s 2019 novel of the same name, which she wrote as a sequel to her original 1985 work. The adaptation aims to capture the spirit and key plot points of Atwood’s literary follow-up.
Atwood’s The Testaments won the prestigious Booker Prize and provided answers to questions left unresolved in the original story. The novel explores the inner workings of Gilead through multiple perspectives, offering insights into how the regime begins to crumble from within.
The television adaptation draws from this source material while also incorporating elements from the previous Hulu series. This creates a cohesive narrative universe that honors both Atwood’s literary vision and the established television continuity.
Key Differences from Previous Seasons
The Testaments represents a significant tonal shift from its predecessor. While The Handmaid’s Tale focused heavily on the immediate trauma of Gilead’s rise, the sequel is described as more of a coming-of-age story. It follows young women growing up in a world where Gilead’s rules are all they’ve ever known.
The narrative structure differs substantially, with the sequel told from multiple points of view rather than primarily following June’s perspective. This allows the show to explore different facets of Gilead simultaneously.
Visual and thematic elements also distinguish the new series. While The Handmaid’s Tale employed stark imagery and focused on survival under immediate oppression, The Testaments explores themes of indoctrination, resistance, and the complexity of living in a society that has normalized extremism over generations.
Major Characters and Cast
The Testaments brings back familiar faces from The Handmaid’s Tale while introducing crucial new characters who will shape the future of Gilead. The cast combines returning stars with fresh talent to tell this compelling story set 15 years after the original series.
Introduction to Aunt Lydia’s Role
Ann Dowd returns to her iconic role as Aunt Lydia, who becomes a central figure in The Testaments. Her character undergoes significant development as the story jumps forward 15 years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale.
In this sequel, Aunt Lydia’s position within Gilead has evolved. While she remains a fearsome enforcer of Gilead’s oppressive rules, the character reveals new layers and possible hidden agendas.
The series explores Aunt Lydia’s complex motivations and her potential role in Gilead’s future. As confirmed by multiple sources, Dowd’s portrayal remains central to the narrative structure of The Testaments.
New and Returning Characters
The Testaments prominently features June’s two daughters, now teenagers. Chase Infiniti has been cast as Agnes (formerly Hannah), who was raised in Gilead, while Lucy Halliday portrays Daisy (also known as Nichole), who escaped as a baby.
These young women represent different sides of Gilead’s impact—one raised within the regime and one beyond its borders.
The series explores their separate journeys and eventual connections as they navigate their roles in the future of Gilead. Their characters are crucial to understanding how Gilead’s influence spans generations.
Elisabeth Moss, who played June/Offred in The Handmaid’s Tale, is reportedly involved in the production, though the exact nature of her role remains to be fully disclosed.
The Cast: Notable Actors and Roles
Key Cast Members:
- Ann Dowd – Aunt Lydia
- Chase Infiniti – Agnes/Hannah
- Lucy Halliday – Daisy/Nichole
- Elisabeth Moss – Connected to the project (specific role details pending)
The production has attracted both established performers and promising newcomers to bring authenticity to this dystopian world. The casting decisions reflect the aging of characters and the time jump from the original series.
The performances are expected to capture the tension between Gilead’s oppressive regime and the growing resistance movement. Each actor brings their unique interpretation to characters navigating a complex moral landscape.
Filming for The Testaments began in early 2024, with the production team carefully selecting performers who could capture the gravity of Atwood’s narrative while connecting to the established world of The Handmaid’s Tale.
Themes and Setting in The Testaments (Hulu)
The upcoming Hulu series explores the dystopian world of Gilead fifteen years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale, delving into themes of oppression, resistance, and generational change.
Life Under Gilead’s Totalitarian Regime
The Testaments presents a more established version of Gilead, where the totalitarian theocracy has solidified its control. The series follows three central characters, including Agnes (known to be June’s daughter Hannah), who was raised within Gilead’s strict social structure.
The dystopian country shows both evolution and decay. While systems of control remain firmly in place, cracks in Gilead’s foundation become increasingly visible. The upper echelons of Gilead society, particularly the Aunts led by Aunt Lydia, play a pivotal role in maintaining order.
Women in The Testaments experience different forms of oppression based on their positions. The show explores what happens at the “top of the food chain for women in Gilead”, revealing how even privileged women navigate their limited power.
Daily life in Gilead appears more normalized for a generation who knows nothing else. This creates a chilling portrayal of how totalitarian systems perpetuate through indoctrination of the young.
Mayday Resistance and Rebellion
The Mayday resistance movement takes center stage in The Testaments, evolving from the secretive underground network seen in The Handmaid’s Tale. The series chronicles how resistance efforts gain momentum as Gilead’s control begins to weaken.
Unexpected allies emerge in the fight against Gilead. Characters who once supported the regime find themselves questioning their loyalties, creating complex moral dilemmas. The resistance operates both within and outside Gilead’s borders.
The series explores how Gilead falls, focusing on the key players instrumental in its downfall. Unlike The Handmaid’s Tale’s more immediate resistance, The Testaments examines the long-term strategy and sacrifice required to dismantle an entrenched authoritarian state.
A new generation takes up the fight, including “young women in the dystopian Gilead” who never knew life before the regime. Their perspective brings fresh energy to the resistance movement.
Adapting Dystopian Fiction for the Screen
The Testaments faces unique adaptation challenges as it brings Margaret Atwood’s 2019 novel to television. The series must balance faithfulness to the source material while connecting seamlessly to the established world of The Handmaid’s Tale.
Visual storytelling takes priority in depicting Gilead fifteen years later. The production design shows subtle evolution in architecture, fashion, and technology, reflecting a society that has maintained its core principles while adapting to new challenges.
The timeline placement creates interesting narrative opportunities. Taking place 15 years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale, the series can explore how characters have changed over time and introduce new figures central to Gilead’s fate.
Character continuity becomes essential as the show bridges both narratives. The Testaments focuses on three central characters, including Agnes, creating connections that reward longtime viewers while remaining accessible to newcomers.
Production, Release, and Reception
The adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s sequel novel has been in development since 2019, with production beginning in 2025. The project has gathered significant attention from fans of both the original series and the literary works.
Development by Hulu and Production Team
Hulu and MGM announced their plans to develop “The Testaments” in September 2019, shortly after the publication of Atwood’s sequel novel. The decision came as “The Handmaid’s Tale” was still running, demonstrating the network’s confidence in the franchise’s continued appeal.
Production on the series officially began in early 2025, with Ann Dowd confirmed to reprise her role as Aunt Lydia, a central character in the sequel story. The character’s evolution is expected to be a key narrative focus.
The creative team has maintained close collaboration with Atwood herself, ensuring the adaptation remains faithful to her vision of Gilead’s future. The series is set approximately 15 years after the events of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” creating both narrative challenges and opportunities.
Critical and Audience Reactions
While “The Testaments” is currently in production with no episodes released yet, anticipation has been building steadily. Entertainment Weekly has provided regular updates on casting decisions and production milestones.
Industry analysts predict the series will attract both returning viewers from “The Handmaid’s Tale” and new audiences interested in the evolution of Gilead. The sequel’s focus on multiple perspectives, including those of younger characters, may broaden its demographic appeal.
Early production photos and casting announcements have generated positive buzz on social media platforms. Fans have expressed particular excitement about the continuation of Aunt Lydia’s story arc, which takes center stage in the new narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans of The Handmaid’s Tale have many questions about the upcoming sequel series. The Testaments explores new characters, evolving storylines, and thematic expansions while maintaining connections to its predecessor.
What are the main differences between ‘The Testaments’ book and the Hulu adaptation?
The Hulu adaptation of The Testaments makes several key changes from Margaret Atwood’s novel. While the book focuses on three narrators, the series may expand certain storylines to connect more directly with The Handmaid’s Tale show.
The series will likely incorporate characters from The Handmaid’s Tale who weren’t in Atwood’s sequel novel. This creates a more cohesive viewing experience between the two shows.
The timeline may also be adjusted, as the original novel takes place 15 years after The Handmaid’s Tale. Hulu might shorten this gap to maintain viewer engagement with established characters.
How do the character arcs of Aunt Lydia evolve in ‘The Testaments’ series compared to ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’?
Aunt Lydia undergoes significant transformation in The Testaments. While she served as a primary antagonist in The Handmaid’s Tale, the sequel reveals more complex motivations behind her actions.
In The Testaments, viewers will see Aunt Lydia’s secret resistance to Gilead from within. Her character becomes more morally ambiguous as her true agenda is revealed.
The series explores her background more thoroughly, providing context for her position of power and her ultimate goals. This creates a dramatic shift in how audiences perceive her character.
Which new characters are introduced in ‘The Testaments’, and how do they impact the narrative?
The Testaments divides its story between three characters who represent different perspectives on Gilead. Two young women, Agnes and Nicole, play central roles in the storyline.
Agnes grew up in Gilead, while Nicole was smuggled to Canada as a baby. Their contrasting viewpoints provide insights into both life within Gilead and how the regime is perceived externally.
These new characters create fresh narrative possibilities while connecting to established elements from The Handmaid’s Tale. Their journeys help demonstrate the far-reaching impact of Gilead’s policies across generations.
In what ways does ‘The Testaments’ continue the story from where ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ left off?
The Testaments picks up the narrative approximately 15 years after the events depicted in The Handmaid’s Tale. The sequel shows how Gilead has evolved and the cracks forming in its foundation.
The series explores the aftermath of June’s actions and their ripple effects throughout Gilead and beyond. Characters deal with the long-term consequences of choices made during The Handmaid’s Tale.
Viewers will see how resistance movements have developed both inside and outside Gilead’s borders. This provides closure for storylines that were left open-ended in the original series.
What themes from Margaret Atwood’s novel are explored in the Hulu series ‘The Testaments’?
The Testaments deepens exploration of resistance and complicity themes introduced in The Handmaid’s Tale. The series examines how individuals can fight oppressive systems from different positions in society.
Intergenerational trauma becomes a central focus as the children of Gilead come of age. The impact of growing up under totalitarianism creates complex psychological landscapes for the younger characters.
The nature of truth and testimony also features prominently, as characters document their experiences. This reflects Atwood’s interest in how historical records shape understanding of traumatic societal events.
Are there any plot points in ‘The Testaments’ that signify a departure from the events of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ series?
The Testaments reveals information about Gilead’s eventual downfall that wasn’t addressed in The Handmaid’s Tale. This gives viewers new perspective on the regime’s ultimate fate.
Several characters believed dead or missing in The Handmaid’s Tale reemerge in The Testaments with surprising new roles. These revelations force viewers to reconsider previous assumptions.
The sequel also provides a more international perspective on Gilead. Relations with other countries and global resistance efforts receive greater attention than in the original series.
