Fans of the dystopian drama The Handmaid's Tale have finally received major news about its highly anticipated sequel series. The Testaments, based on Margaret Atwood's 2019 novel, now has an official release date and a first look at its brand-new cast.
April 2026 Premiere Confirmed
During the CCXP25 event in Brazil, it was announced that the series will begin streaming exclusively on Disney+ in April 2026. This confirmation ends the long wait for followers of the franchise, who have been eager to return to the oppressive theocracy of Gilead.
The new series serves as a direct follow-up to both Atwood's original novel and the acclaimed television adaptation. It will continue the story of the complex and formidable Aunt Lydia, once again portrayed by Emmy-nominated actress Ann Dowd.
Meet the New Generation of Gilead
A fresh set of stills released alongside the date announcement introduces viewers to the young women at the heart of this new chapter. The series is described as a coming-of-age story, focusing on a generation that has known nothing but life under Gilead's rule.
Chase Infiniti, an award-nominated star known for One Battle After Another, takes on the pivotal role of Agnes/Hannah. This character is the now-grown daughter of the original series' protagonist, June Osbourne (Elisabeth Moss).
The main cast is rounded out by several other newcomers facing Gilead's bleak future:
- Lucy Halliday as Daisy, a Canadian teenager whose life is upended by a shocking connection to Gilead.
- Rowan Blanchard as Shunammite, a wealthy teen from a powerful Gilead family.
- Isolde Ardies as Hulda, a girl excited by the prospect of womanhood.
- Shechinah Mpumlwana as Jehosheba, a competitive classmate from a respected family.
- Birva Pandya as Miriam, who struggles under the intense pressure of the marriage season.
A Fight for Freedom in a Dystopian World
The official synopsis sets the scene: "Years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale, The Testaments... finds a new generation of young women in Gilead grappling with the bleak future that awaits them." Having no memory of the world before Gilead, they face lives of arranged marriage and servitude.
"Facing the prospect of being married off and living a life of servitude, they will be forced to search for allies, both new and old, to help in their fight for freedom and the life they deserve," the description concludes.
Original showrunner Bruce Miller returns as executive producer to helm the spin-off. While the involvement of Elisabeth Moss as June has not been formally confirmed, it is widely expected she will appear in some capacity.
The Testaments premieres globally on Disney+ in April 2026.
