Gilead Returns in 2026: First Look at Hulu’s ‘The Testaments’ Series

The dystopian world of Gilead is coming back. Hulu announced the premiere month for its hotly anticipated sequel series. The Testaments will debut in April 2026.This news came from the CCXP25 event in Brazil. The series is based on Margaret Atwood’s award-winning 2019 novel. It continues the story from the acclaimed drama The Handmaid’s Tale.

New Generation Takes Center Stage in Gilead

The first official photos introduce a new cast. They are the young women who have only ever known life inside Gilead. Chase Infiniti plays Agnes, the girl formerly known as Hannah.Hannah is June Osborne’s first-born daughter. She was taken into Gilead at the start of the original series. Lucy Halliday plays Daisy, a Canadian teen who discovers a shocking link to the regime.Rowan Blanchard plays Shunammite from a powerful Gilead family. Other young actors include Mattea Conforti and Isolde Ardies. Shechinah Mpumlwana and Birva Pandya round out the key roles.Ann Dowd returns as the formidable Aunt Lydia. Her character is a crucial bridge between the two series. The show will follow these girls as they face a future of forced marriages.

Connecting the Stories from Page to Screen

The series is a coming-of-age story within the oppressive theocracy. These young women have no memory of the world before Gilead. They must find allies in their fight for freedom.Bruce Miller is the showrunner and executive producer. He created The Handmaid’s Tale for television. Miller shifted focus to develop this sequel while the original show concluded.Warren Littlefield and Elisabeth Moss are also executive producers. Mike Barker will direct the first three episodes. According to industry reports from The Hollywood Reporter, the story is set about four years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale finale.This timeline decision directly connects the two series. It honors the narrative path established in the final season. June Osborne’s fight continues, even if mostly off-screen.

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The announcement solidifies Hulu‘s commitment to this chilling universe. The Testaments promises to explore Gilead from a terrifying new perspective. Fans can mark their calendars for a gripping return in April 2026.

Info at your fingertips

When exactly does *The Testaments* premiere?

Hulu has announced a premiere month, not a specific date. The series will launch in April 2026. It will be available on both Hulu and Disney+.

Is Elisabeth Moss in the new series?

Moss is an executive producer but her on-screen role is unconfirmed. Her character, June, will influence the story from the background. The creator has expressed hope for her potential appearance.

Who are the main new characters?

The focus is on young women raised in Gilead. Key roles include Agnes (formerly Hannah), Daisy, and Shunammite. Aunt Lydia returns as a central figure from the original series.

How does this connect to *The Handmaid’s Tale* ending?

The sequel is set roughly four years after the original series finale. It follows the life of June’s daughter, Hannah, who remained in Gilead. The story expands on the resistance within the regime.

Is the series based on a book?

Yes. It is adapted from Margaret Atwood’s 2019 novel, also titled *The Testaments*. That book is the direct sequel to her classic novel *The Handmaid’s Tale*.

Why did it take so long to announce?

The project entered development in 2023 after the novel’s success. Production began shortly after filming ended for *The Handmaid’s Tale*. Complex world-building and casting likely contributed to the timeline.