The sixth and final season of The Handmaid's Tale left viewers stunned, the final episode in particular leaving us all itching for more. And it's just as well, as a sequel series to the dystopian drama The Testaments is finally set to hit our screens.
Similarly based on a novel by Margaret Atwood, the series is set four years after the final events of The Handmaid's Tale - opposed to the book which places the action 15 years after.
A coming-of-age story, the series is set in Gilead and follows teenagers Agnes and Daisy as they 'navigate the gilded halls of Aunt Lydia’s elite preparatory school for future wives, a place where obedience is instilled brutally and always with divine justification, their bond becomes the catalyst that will upend their past, their present, and their future,' the release reads.
Narrated by Aunt Lydia, there are several characters from The Handmaid's Tale who are set to reappear in the sequel, alongside actress Ann Dowd herself. But who can we expect to see the friendly face of as we navigate the ominous halls of Aunt Lydia's preparatory school for future wives?
The full cast for The Testaments season 1 are:
- Chase Infiniti as Agnes
- Lucy Halliday as Daisy
- Mattea Conforti as Becka
- Rowan Blanchard as Shunammite
- Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia
- Mabel Li as Aunt Vidala
- Eva Foote as Aunt Estee
- Brad Alexander as Garth
- Charlie Carrick as Commander Judd
- Nate Corddry as Commander Mackenzie
The Testaments season 1 returning cast
Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia
Who is Aunt Lydia? An authoritarian aunt in Gilead, Aunt Lydia is responsible for training the handmaids at the Red Center. However, by the end of The Handmaid's Tale, she's a changed person - weren't we all.
The final episode of The Handmaid's Tale saw Aunt Lydia make it to the new border of Gilead in a van alongside Janine and Naomi, who was carrying Janine's daughter, Charlotte.
In The Testaments, Aunt Lydia's 'take on Gilead is different,' Dowd teases, the aunt having left her role training Handmaids to establish a school for girls.
What else has Ann Dowd been in? Ann Dowd won an Emmy for her portrayal of Aunt Lydia in The Handmaid's Tale and is also known for her roles in The Leftovers, Good Behavior and Masters of Sex. She's also recognised for films including Compliance, Hereditary and Mass - the latter leading to a BAFTA nomination.
Elisabeth Moss as June Osborne
Who is June Osborne? The protagonist of The Handmaid's Tale, during Gilead's takeover of the United States, June is abducted. She goes from being a book editor to a Handmaid of the name 'Offred' and later 'Ofjoseph'.
She fights against being a breeding slave within the regime and by the end of the series manages to escape and reunite with her daughter - shared with Luke, although technically Nick - alongside her mother, Holly.
June then returns to where it all began at the Waterford's house, sitting down to write what later becomes The Handmaid's Tale. Her character is reported as returning in the premiere of The Testaments tonight (Disney+ is releasing the first three episodes today) - as part of Daisy's (Lucy Halliday) storyline.
Series showrunner and executive producer Bruce Miller told Deadline: "I think in some ways, June is such an anchor for the character of Agnes [Chase Infiniti] that I don’t think you could have the story without June, even if there was no Handmaid’s Tale."
What else has Elisabeth Moss been in? Moss' portrayal of June Osborne has seen her win numerous awards including a Golden Globe and Emmy. You probably also recognise her from spine-chilling horror The Invisible Man, may've been a fan of hers from her recurring role as Peggy in Mad Men, or more recently may've caught her in Apple TV's Imperfect Women.
Nate Corddry as Commander MacKenzie
Who is Commander MacKenzie? Commander McKenzie appeared in The Handmaid's Tale, but was played by actor Jason Butler Harner. A high-ranking Gilead official, he adopts June Osborne's daughter Hannah Bankole, renaming her Agnes, moving her away from her mother to Washington DC.
In The Testaments, Nate Corddry takes over the role, Commander MacKenzie recovering from the loss of his first wife and battling with his daughter growing up and how living in the patriarchal and totalitarian regime of Gilead if influencing her.
What else has Nate Corddry been in? Corddry is best known for his role as Adam Branch in NBC drama Harry's Law. You also may've spotted him in 2016's Ghostbusters movie, The Circle or even classic rom-com The Ugly Truth.
The Testaments season 1 new cast
Chase Infini as Agnes
Who is Agnes? Dubbed the 'perfect Gilead princess,' Agnes is set on the path to become an equally perfect Gileadian wife, kept in check by her strict lesson plan at Aunt Lydia's Academy. While best friends with Becka, when Daisy joins, Agnes is assigned to help her navigate her new life at the school. But the pair are complete opposites. The question is, will they attract or repel one another? And could them being forced together lead to Agnes questioning the world that's been so carefully manufactured around her?
What else has Chase Infiniti been in? You'll probably recognise Infiniti from her breakout role in One Battle After Another, starring alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. She also starred in hit Apple TV series Presumed Innocent.
Lucy Halliday as Daisy
Who is Daisy? Daisy has grown up outside of Gilead so goes through a culture shock upon her arrival at Aunt Lydia's Academy. She may've been 'gifted' this new life, but how will she respond to the atrocities she's witnessing, particularly when under the wing of Gilead princess Agnes?
What else has Lucy Halliday been in? Halliday appeared in James McAvoy's directorial debut California Schemin' alongside drama Blue Jean.
Mattea Conforti as Becka
Who is Becka? Despite growing up alongside Agnes, Becka rejects the system around her and doesn't want a husband. As those around her similarly struggle to come to terms with their identities while so constricted by the regime they're forced to live within, Becka finds herself with even more daunting questions to confront.
What else has Mattea Conforti been in? You may recognise Conforti for her voice-over role as Moon in The Ollie & Moon Show or even young Elsa in Frozen II. She also appeared in TV series Power as Elisa Marie, alongside NOS4A2 as Millie Manx.
Rowan Blanchard as Shunammite
Who is Shunammite? Privileged and well-conditioned by the Gilead system around her, Shunammite fits into society in every way bar one. Friends with Agnes and Daisy, Shunammite struggles to grapple with the lack of control she has when she finds herself falling behind her peers.
What else has Rowan Blanchard been in? Blanchard is best known for her role as Riley in Girl Meets World. She later went on to star in The Goldbergs alongside TNT series Snowpiercer.
Mabel Li as Aunt Vidala
Who is Aunt Vidala? Aunt Vidala has lived through the creation of Gilead and bears the scars to match. Working alongside Aunt Lydia, Aunt Vidala is desperate for her approval, but also believes the school should be run with a firmer hand to ensure Gilead remains as pure as possible. Could this result in a clash?
What else has Mabel Li been in? Mabel Li is known for The Tailings, New Gold Mountain and Safe Home. Her performance in New Gold Mountain saw her nominated for the 2022 Logie Award for the Most Outstanding Supporting Actress.
Eva Foote as Aunt Estee
Who is Aunt Estee? One of the first recruits to Aunt Lydia's Academy, Aunt Estee was born outside of Gilead but recruited, now acting as a star example of what the school hopes to achieve with its current pupils. A complete and convinced convert, will Aunt Estee's love and loyalty of Aunt Lydia and Gilead stay strong despite all she sees the girls go through?
What else has Eva Foote been in? You may've spotted Eva Foote in series Murdoch Mysteries or as Carole Gacy in mini-series Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy.
Brad Alexander as Garth
Who is Garth? Garth is young commander in charge of protecting the girls, but his fear of the women around him fuelled by the teachings of Gilead risk threaten his authority. Will he keep hiding away or will he try to break free of the system he's grown up in, but in doing so, rebel against the path set before him as a result of his high-ranking Commander father?
What else has Brad Alexander been in? Brad Alexander appeared alongside Penn Badgley in YOU. He also appeared in crime drama series Lynley, an adaptation of the novel series by Elizabeth George.
Charlie Carrick as Commander Judd
Who is Commander Judd? A high-ranking Commander, Judd was pivotal in the establishing of Gilead, one of the key men who initiated the coup. Known for marrying young girls, he works closely with Aunt Lydia, reporting back everything he sees.
What else has Charlie Carrick been in? Carrick appears in a plethora of TV series from The Borgias to Reign and Hidden Assets. He is also known for his roles in The Apprentice as Freddy Trump, alongside The Chronology of Water in which he played Andy Mingo.
The Testaments is available on Disney+ now
