The Testaments: Unveiling the Stellar Cast and Characters That Will Leave You Begging for More!

Like its predecessor, The Handmaid's Tale, The Testaments features a talented cast that brings Margaret Atwood's complex characters to life. Set 15 years after The Handmaid's Tale, the novel follows the lives of three women: Aunt Lydia, Agnes Jemima, and Daisy, who unite to help the resistance dismantle Gilead from within. While Aunt Lydia is regarded as one of the primary antagonists in The Handmaid's Tale series, The Testaments reveals her true allegiances as she has been secretly working as a spy for Mayday.

Under the direction of The Handmaid's Tale showrunner, Bruce Miller, The Testaments, which will be released on Hulu, will likely incorporate the artistic liberties of the writers. Just like the main series, The Handmaid's Tale, the spinoff will feature expanded roles for some characters from the novel and the introduction of new ones. As The Handmaid's Tale concludes with season 6, viewers can expect to see both familiar faces from the original series and new additions in The Testaments, as there are unresolved character stories that will continue to unfold.

Ann Dowd As Aunt Lydia/Lydia Clements

Ann Dowd, known for her role as the strict and pious Aunt Lydia, was one of the first cast members confirmed for The Testaments. While Aunt Lydia is considered one of her most successful roles, Dowd has also appeared in several highly acclaimed movies. She portrayed Jill Beckett, Tom Hanks' on-screen sister, in Philadelphia, and delivered memorable performances as Congressional representative Becket in The Manchurian Candidate, Sandra in Compliance, the antagonistic Joan in Hereditary, and conflicted parent Linda in Mass, which earned her a BAFTA nomination.

In addition to her film work, Dowd has an impressive television resume. She earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for her performance as Patty Levin in the supernatural drama, The Leftovers, and received acclaim for her roles as Sister Mo in Nothing Sacred, Estabrook Masters in Masters of Sex, FBI Agent Rhonda Lashever in Good Behavior, and Sister Margarita in Lambs of God. Dowd has also ventured into voice acting, lending her voice to characters such as Zeron Omega in 3Below: Tales of Arcadia and various characters in American Dad! and Teenage Euthanasia.

Other Main Characters In The Testaments

Agnes Jemima, also known as Aunt Victoria or Hannah Bankole, is a central character in The Testaments. She is the adopted daughter of two influential figures in Gilead and becomes one of the three main protagonists. Upon discovering the horrifying truth about Gilead's oppressive laws and her parents' plans to marry her off to Commander Judd, Agnes decides to train as an Aunt.

As she delves deeper into Gilead's dark secrets, Agnes learns that her mother was a Handmaid and that she has a half-sister residing in Canada. Motivated by this knowledge, she ultimately uses her position within Gilead to aid the resistance group Mayday in their mission to dismantle the oppressive regime. It is anticipated that in The Testaments series, Agnes Jemima will be replaced by Hannah Bankole, the biological daughter of June and Luke. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding the casting of the older version of her character.

Becka Grove, also known as Aunt Immortelle, is a close friend of Agnes and is currently undergoing training to become an Aunt, also known as a Supplicant. While her role in The Testaments novel is minor, it is anticipated that the writers will enhance Becka's character in the TV series as she assists Agnes/Hannah and Daisy/Nichole in their Mayday mission. At this time, no actor has been announced to portray Becka in The Testaments.

What Characters From The Handmaid's Tale Could Appear In The Testaments?

Viewers can expect to see some characters from The Handmaid's Tale potentially joining the cast of The Testaments, depending on how season 6 concludes and the creative choices made by the writers. Ann Dowd is already confirmed to reprise her role as Aunt Elizabeth, and there is a chance that Edie Inksetter may also return as Aunt Elizabeth since she is still working at Ardua Hall in the novel. Additionally, Jason Butler Harner may make a comeback as Commander McKenzie, as he is Hannah's adoptive father.

There is also a possibility that Elisabeth Moss' June, O-T Fagbenle's Luke, and Max Minghella's Nick may join The Testaments cast, as the novel reveals that Daisy/Nichole and Agnes/Hannah are reunited with their respective parents in Canada. Even if these characters are killed off in season 6, there is still a chance they could appear in flashbacks.