The Testaments: Hulu and Disney+ Sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale Set to Premiere in April 2026

The highly anticipated sequel series to The Handmaid’s Tale, titled The Testaments, is set to premiere on Hulu and Disney+ in April 2026. Based on Margaret Atwood’s 2019 Booker Prize-winning novel, the series promises to expand the dystopian world of Gilead through the eyes of a new generation.

Plot and Characters

The Testaments is set approximately four to five years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale finale. The story centers on two young women: Agnes Mackenzie, also known as Hannah (daughter of June Osborne), and Daisy, a Canadian teen who discovers a connection to Gilead. The narrative unfolds within Aunt Lydia’s elite preparatory school for future Wives, offering a glimpse into the lives of those at the top of Gilead’s social hierarchy.

Chase Infiniti stars as Agnes/Hannah, while Lucy Halliday portrays Daisy. Ann Dowd reprises her role as Aunt Lydia, a pivotal figure in the Gilead regime. Additional cast members include Rowan Blanchard as Shunammite, Mattea Conforti as Becka, Isolde Ardies as Hulda, Shechinah Mpumlwana as Jehosheba, and Birva Pandya as Miriam.

Production and Premiere

The series premiered at the French festival Series Mania. The first three episodes will be released simultaneously on April 8, 2026, with subsequent episodes airing weekly. U.S. Viewers can stream the series on Hulu or through Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers, while international audiences will have access exclusively on Disney+.

Insights from the Cast and Creators

Ann Dowd expressed her continued fascination with Aunt Lydia, stating she approaches the character without judgment and cherishes the opportunity to portray her. Lucy Halliday highlighted the strong source material and the involvement of key figures from The Handmaid’s Tale, including Bruce Miller and Elisabeth Moss, as reassuring factors in stepping into the world of Gilead.

Chase Infiniti discussed the significance of the show’s costumes, describing them as “armor” that helped embody the physicality of her role. Creator Bruce Miller explained that The Testaments explores the experiences of women at the top of Gilead, revealing that the power dynamics for women within the regime are surprisingly similar regardless of social standing. Producer Warren Littlefield emphasized the importance of portraying humanity even within the darkness of the story, highlighting the strength and resilience of the young women at the heart of the narrative.

Themes and Expectations

The Testaments promises to be a story of awakening and rebellion, focusing on the experiences of younger women growing up within Gilead. The series aims to expand the world established in The Handmaid’s Tale, offering a fresh perspective on the regime and its potential downfall.