The story continues: this is what we know about the Handmaid's Tale sequel series

There are those series that, as far as we are concerned, can go on forever, and ‘The Handmaid's Tale’ was high on that list. But after the last credits of season six, we really had to say goodbye to June. Until now. The story is getting a sequel in ‘The Testaments’. A new generation takes over the fight in Gilead, with help from old acquaintances. And when does that fight break out? The release date is finally known.

What is The Testaments about?

In ‘The Testaments’, we pick up the story about four years after the last scene of ‘The Handmaid's Tale’. Have you read the books and are now thinking: huh, wasn't there a fifteen-year gap? Don't worry, you're not going crazy. For the series, that time jump has been slightly shortened.

A new generation of young women is growing up in Gilead, for whom this strictly regulated life is the only reality they know. Yet something begins to gnaw, especially at Agnes (Chase Infiniti). As June's daughter (Elisabeth Moss), she seems to have inherited her mother's rebellious character. Just going along with a life of slavery? Absolutely not.

Daisy (Lucy Halliday) also refuses to accept the system. She grew up in Canada and is now committed to helping oppressed women in Gilead. For a new uprising, allies will be needed, and that help can come from unexpected corners. Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) is still one of the most powerful women within the regime, but even her loyalty to the system is beginning to waver. There is still much we do not know about her…

Which characters from The Handmaid's Tale are returning?

Of course, a sequel series comes with returning characters, and fortunately, ‘The Testaments’ is no exception. The most important return is undoubtedly that of Aunt Lydia. We know her as one of the cruel enforcers of the system in Gilead, although we see cracks starting to form from season five. The events surrounding Esther and Janine make her increasingly doubt the cruelty of the regime. In ‘The Testaments’, we get a more extensive view of her past, which places her character in a different light. Aunt Lydia could very well be a key to real change.

Maybe the name Agnes doesn't ring a bell right away, but what if we say: Hannah? She is June and Luke's daughter, who in ‘The Handmaid's Tale’ is given the name Agnes. In ‘The Testaments’, she has grown up and is ready to fight her own battle. That will take some getting used to, as the role is now played by Chase Infiniti instead of Jordana Blake.

We mentioned Daisy earlier, and she is also an old acquaintance. You might know her better as Holly or Nicole, also a daughter of June, who was adopted and grew up in Canada. When she discovers who she really is, she decides not to remain passive any longer. Daisy is no longer a baby and is played by Lucy Halliday in ‘The Testaments’, a new face for a familiar character.

Will we see Elisabeth Moss return as June?

When you say ‘The Handmaid's Tale’, you say June. She is the beating heart of the series, and thus also Elisabeth Moss. With a sequel on the way, one big question looms: will we see her again?

One thing is for sure: Elisabeth Moss is involved in ‘The Testaments’. She serves as an executive producer and thus has influence over the direction of the series. That does not automatically mean she will appear on screen again. Now that Agnes and Daisy are taking center stage, a meeting with their mother would naturally feel logical. According to the creators, June's influence is certainly present, but whether we will actually see her remains a secret for now.

When is The Testaments showing?

With so much mystery, you naturally want to know when we can finally plop down on the couch. Good news: the wait won't be long. Starting April 8, the first three episodes will be available on Disney+. After that, a new episode will be released every Wednesday.

For now, we still have to make do with the first images, and to be honest: they only make us more curious. Just a little more patience, and then we will dive back into the world of ‘The Handmaid's Tale’, but this time with ‘The Testaments’. Let the countdown begin.