Hulu is set to continue its exploration of dystopian Gilead withThe Testaments, the anticipatedThe Handmaid’s Talesequel. The series has just announced nine new cast members, including Mabel Li andAmy Seimetz, who join previouslyannounced castmates Chase Infiniti, Lucy Halliday, Ann Dowd (who reprises herThe Handmaid’s Talerole 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 Testamentsis set 15 years afterThe 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 includeAlien: Covenant, Pet Sematary, andStranger 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
Audiences have been eager for more ofThe Handmaid’s Tale, as itresonates deeply with audiencesdue 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 beenwidely praised for her portrayal, andThe Testamentsfurther explores Aunt Lydia’s backstory, which will give viewers a more thorough understanding of her character.
The Testamentsis 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 leadsThe Handmaid’s Taleas June Osborne, will also executive produce the sequel. Priscilla Poriand serves as co-executive producer.The Testamentsis produced by MGM Television.
The sixth and final season ofThe Handmaid’s Talewill land on Hulu on April 8, and should June make it out alive, audiences may see her guest star in the sequel.The Testamentsbegins production on April 7.
Source:Deadline
The Handmaid’s Tale
