From “The Handmaid’s Tale” to New Horizons: Cast Embarks on Fresh Projects

As “The Handmaid’s Tale” concludes its powerful run on Hulu, the talented ensemble that brought Margaret Atwood’s dystopian vision to life is moving forward with an impressive array of new projects. Since 2017, the series has captivated audiences with its chilling portrayal of Gilead, a totalitarian society where fertility crises led to the subjugation of women as child-bearers. Elisabeth Moss, Yvonne Strahovski, Madeline Brewer, Ann Dowd, O-T Fagbenle, Max Minghella, Samira Wiley, and Amanda Brugel formed the core cast that navigated this harrowing world over multiple seasons. With the announcement of the final season in 2022, creator Bruce Miller stepped down as showrunner to focus on developing “The Testaments” spinoff, while executive producers Eric Tuchman and Yahlin Chang took the reins for the flagship series’ conclusion. Miller noted that while “The Testaments” would function as a sequel to the show, it wouldn’t precisely follow Atwood’s narrative, acknowledging the necessary adaptational changes that come with translating literature to screen.

“The Testaments,” set to premiere in April 2026, jumps fifteen years into the future, offering fresh perspectives on the world of Gilead through multiple narrators. Central to the spinoff is Ann Dowd’s Aunt Lydia, who returns as a covert source working against the regime from within. The story follows new characters Agnes from Gilead and Daisy from Canada as they disguise themselves as “Pearl Girls” to infiltrate and smuggle damning information about Gilead’s government. Atwood herself has been deeply involved in the adaptation process, explaining that while she couldn’t continue Offred’s story, she was intrigued by exploring “the beginning of the end” of Gilead. “We know from The Handmaid’s Tale that Gilead vanishes,” Atwood noted during a 2019 press event. “It’s no longer present 200 years into the future, because they’re having a symposium on it. How did it collapse? How do these kinds of regimes disappear? I was interested in exploring that.” The author has maintained close collaboration with the production, reading scripts and offering notes, while introducing new visual elements including distinctive costume choices that help identify characters within the evolving world.

Elisabeth Moss, who became synonymous with the role of June/Offred, isn’t slowing down after leading “The Handmaid’s Tale” for its entire run. She’s taking on another literary adaptation by joining the TV version of Araminta Hall’s “Imperfect Women,” where she’ll not only star but also serve as an executive producer. This new project boasts an impressive cast including Kerry Washington, Kate Mara, Joel Kinnaman, and Corey Stoll, showcasing Moss’s continued draw in the industry. Meanwhile, Yvonne Strahovski, who played the complex Serena Joy Waterford, briefly starred in Peacock’s horror series “Teacup” as “The Handmaid’s Tale” was concluding. Alexis Bledel, who made a return for the series finale after departing earlier, has maintained a relatively low profile but is set to appear in “Joy Will Prevail” alongside Griffin Dunne and Jennifer Beals in August 2025, marking a gradual return to more public roles.

Other cast members are diving into diverse projects across film and television. Madeline Brewer, known for playing Janine, appeared in the final season of Netflix’s “You” and has secured roles in upcoming series “I Live Here Now” and “Anniversary.” Ann Dowd, whose portrayal of the terrifying yet nuanced Aunt Lydia earned critical acclaim, will continue exploring this character in “The Testaments” spinoff, bringing continuity between the original series and its successor. O-T Fagbenle, who played June’s husband Luke, is balancing film and television work with appearances in “Splitsville” on the big screen and roles in series like “All’s Fair” and “The Miniature Wife.” Max Minghella is reuniting with Elisabeth Moss, but in a different capacity, directing her in the film “Shell” while also joining the cast of HBO’s “Industry” for its fourth season. Samira Wiley, who portrayed Moira, is taking on the role of Cassie in the “Atomic” TV series.

The extended cast of “The Handmaid’s Tale” is equally busy with new endeavors. Bradley Whitford, who joined the series as Commander Lawrence, has secured multiple film roles including “For Worse,” “Reminders of Him,” and “Office Romance,” while his television slate includes “#1 Happy Family USA,” “The Diplomat,” and “Death by Lightning.” Sam Jaeger, who portrayed Mark Tuello, will appear in “Wolf Man” and “The Wilderness,” while Josh Charles is set to lead Fox’s medical drama “Best Medicine,” a remake of the British series “Doc Martin.” “The Testaments” has assembled its own impressive ensemble beyond Ann Dowd, including Chase Infiniti, Lucy Halliday, Rowan Blanchard, Amy Seimetz, Mabel Li, Brad Alexander, and Mattea Conforti, setting the stage for a new chapter in the Gilead saga.

As “The Handmaid’s Tale” completes its journey, its cultural impact remains undeniable. The series not only brought Atwood’s haunting vision to a new generation but also sparked important conversations about reproductive rights, authoritarianism, and resistance in the face of oppression. With “The Testaments” continuing the exploration of this dystopian world and its eventual downfall, and the original cast pursuing diverse and challenging new roles, the legacy of “The Handmaid’s Tale” extends beyond its conclusion. As audiences await these upcoming projects, the timely warnings and powerful performances that defined the series continue to resonate, reminding us that vigilance against totalitarian impulses remains essential. Through their new work, the actors who brought Gilead to life will continue to challenge, entertain, and provoke thought across different stories and genres, carrying forward the artistic commitment that made “The Handmaid’s Tale” such a compelling and important television event.