Hulu's "The Testaments" Set to Premiere: A New Chapter in Gilead

Hulu is set to release "The Testaments," a new series serving as a follow-up to "The Handmaid's Tale," on April 8. The initial three episodes will launch on this date, with subsequent episodes to be released weekly.

The series is based on Margaret Atwood’s novel of the same name and will feature Elisabeth Moss reprising her role as June Osborne, alongside new lead characters Agnes and Daisy.

Exploring Gilead: A Coming-of-Age Story

"The Testaments" explores a narrative set within Gilead, focusing on a coming-of-age story involving Agnes, portrayed by Chase Infiniti, and Daisy, played by Lucy Halliday. The plot follows their journey through Aunt Lydia’s preparatory school, led by Ann Dowd in her reprised role as Aunt Lydia.

This experience is described as fostering a bond between Agnes and Daisy that impacts their past, present, and future.

Key Players Behind and In Front of the Camera

Bruce Miller, who adapted “The Handmaid’s Tale” for television, serves as the creator, executive producer, and showrunner for "The Testaments." The extensive executive producer team also includes Warren Littlefield, Elisabeth Moss, Steve Stark, Shana Stein, Maya Goldsmith, John Weber, Sheila Hockin, Daniel Wilson, Fran Sears, and Mike Barker, with Mike Barker also directing the first three episodes. The series is produced by MGM Television.

Additional cast members include Mabel Li, Amy Seimetz, Brad Alexander, Rowan Blanchard, Mattea Conforti, Zarrin Darnell-Martin, Eva Foote, Isolde Ardies, Shechinah Mpumwana, Birva Pandya, and Kira Guloien. Notably, Chase Infiniti's casting as a series lead was announced in February 2025; she has previously received multiple award nominations for her role in the film "One Battle After Another."

June Osborne's Return and a Revised Timeline

Elisabeth Moss will make an appearance as June Osborne, featuring briefly in the premiere episode and taking on a pivotal role in the third episode. Initial marketing had indicated a primary focus on June's eldest daughter, Hannah (known as Agnes), and Daisy, with a time jump.

The series timeline is set approximately four years after the events of "The Handmaid's Tale," a revision from Margaret Atwood's novel, which places the events 15 years later. This revised timeline facilitated June Osborne's continued involvement in the series.

In Episode 3, June is depicted connecting with Daisy after Daisy experiences the loss of her parents. Following this, June recruits Daisy into the resistance movement, a plot point anticipated to drive the narrative for the first season of "The Testaments." Moss stated that the decision to reprise her role felt organic, citing her character's established position as a leader in the resistance. She also expressed a willingness for future appearances as needed, aiming to balance June's storyline with the overarching narratives of Agnes and Daisy.