As The Handmaid’s Tale wraps up its sixth and final season, fans are looking ahead to what comes next. The good news? The story isn’t over. Hulu is developing a follow-up series based on Margaret Atwood’s 2019 novel, The Testaments—a sequel that dives deeper into the world of Gilead and the forces that bring about its downfall.
A Sequel Set 15 Years Later
The Testaments takes place about 15 years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale. Instead of focusing on June (Offred), it introduces three new narrators:
Aunt Lydia, now a powerful figure with a hidden agenda
Agnes Jemima, a girl raised inside Gilead’s rigid system
Daisy, a Canadian teenager who learns shocking truths about her past
Together, their stories reveal the cracks in Gilead’s foundation and how its collapse is set in motion.
The Show Is in Development
Hulu has officially confirmed that The Testaments is being adapted for television. Bruce Miller, the showrunner of The Handmaid’s Tale, is leading the project. Margaret Atwood is also involved, ensuring the adaptation stays true to the book’s themes while expanding the story for a new chapter.
It’s unclear whether the new show will be a direct continuation or a spinoff, but it is expected to connect closely with the ending of The Handmaid’s Tale.
Will Familiar Faces Return?
The central focus of The Testaments is on new characters, but one key figure is returning: Aunt Lydia. Given her major role in the novel, Emmy-winner Ann Dowd is expected to reprise her role in the upcoming series.
As for June (played by Elisabeth Moss), her role in The Testaments is limited—her fate is left largely off-page—so it’s uncertain whether she will return in a significant way.
When Will It Premiere?
There is no official release date yet, but with The Handmaid’s Tale ending in 2025, fans can likely expect The Testaments to follow in late 2025 or 2026. Filming and casting updates are expected to be announced soon.
Final Thoughts
The Testaments promises to expand the world of The Handmaid’s Tale, offering a fresh perspective on Gilead from within and outside its borders. With new characters, deeper political intrigue, and the looming fall of a brutal regime, the next chapter in this dystopian saga is one fans won’t want to miss.
Leave a Reply