Hulu is set to continue its exploration of dystopian Gilead with The Testaments, the anticipated The Handmaid’s Tale sequel. The series has just announced nine new cast members, including Mabel Li and Amy Seimetz, who join previously announced castmates Chase Infiniti, Lucy Halliday, Ann Dowd (who reprises her The Handmaid’s Tale role of Aunt Lydia), Rowan Blanchard, and Mattea Conforti. The other seven actors rounding out the cast are Brad Alexander, Zarrin Darnell-Martin, Eva Foote, Isolde Ardies, Shechinah Mpumlwana, Birva Pandya, and Kira Guloien.
Based on Margaret Atwood’s 2019 novel of the same name, The Testaments is set 15 years after The Handmaid’s Tale. The novel is told from the perspectives of three female narrators, Aunt Lydia, Agnes Jemima, and Daisy, and takes place within the dystopian Republic of Gilead. It examines the ways people fight back against oppression and the nature of control​.​​​​​​

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Li is set to star as Aunt Vidala, who (via Deadline) is “a stern disciplinarian and the heir-apparent to the women’s sphere of Gilead.” Seimetz, whose prior credits include Alien: Covenant, Pet Sematary, and Stranger Things, will portray Paula, “whose recent marriage to a high-ranking Commander has raised her social status. But her perfect life is complicated by her new step-daughter.”
Alexander plays Garth, a young commander; Darnell-Martin plays Aunt Gabbana, Aunt Vidala’s right hand; Foote plays Aunt Estee, the “cool Aunt;” Ardies plays Hulda, a hopeful young girl; Mpumlwana plays Jehosheba, a competitive classmate from a respected family seeking a high-status marriage; Pandya plays Miriam, who feels the pressures of marriage season; and Guloien plays Rosa, a maternal figure to Agnes.
Why ‘The Testaments’ is a Welcome Streaming Addition

Hulu

Audiences have been eager for more of The Handmaid’s Tale, as it resonates deeply with audiences due to its exploration of social and political themes, including women’s rights, authoritarianism, and religious extremism, all of which remain relevant today. Through its five-season run, the dystopian series has been critically lauded and earned numerous accolades, including Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series, and acting awards for Elizabeth Moss and Dowd.
Dowd’s return should also be exciting for fans of the series. She’s been widely praised for her portrayal, and The Testaments further explores Aunt Lydia’s backstory, which will give viewers a more thorough understanding of her character.
The Testaments is created by Bruce Miller, who also executive produces alongside Warren Littlefield, Steve Stark, Shana Stein, Maya Goldsmith, John Weber, Sheila Hockin, Daniel Wilson, Fran Sears, and Mike Barker. Barker will also direct the follow-up series’ first three episodes. Moss, who leads The Handmaid’s Tale as June Osborne, will also executive produce the sequel. Priscilla Poriand serves as co-executive producer. The Testaments is produced by MGM Television.
The sixth and final season of The Handmaid’s Tale will land on Hulu on April 8, and should June make it out alive, audiences may see her guest star in the sequel. The Testaments begins production on April 7.
Source: Deadline

The Handmaid’s Tale

Release Date

2017 – 2025-00-00

Network

Hulu

Showrunner

Bruce Miller

Directors

Mike Barker, Kari Skogland, Daina Reid, Reed Morano, Floria Sigismondi, Jeremy Podeswa, Kate Dennis, Richard Shepard, Amma Asante, Christina Choe, Deniz Gamze Ergüven, Bradley Whitford, Dearbhla Walsh, Liz Garbus

Writers

Kira Snyder, Eric Tuchman, Yahlin Chang, John Herrera, Jacey Heldrich, Dorothy Fortenberry, Marissa Jo Cerar, Lynn Renee Maxcy

June Osborne / Offred / Ofjoseph