The Handmaid's Tale: What's Next After the Finale? Testaments Spinoff

As the final episode of The Handmaid's Tale has aired, fans are already buzzing about what's next for the dystopian world created by Margaret Atwood. The series finale left many viewers contemplating the fates of June, Serena, and other beloved characters. According to Reddit discussions, one of the most anticipated developments is the sequel series, The Testaments. Here’s a deep dive into what we know so far about the upcoming spinoff.

What is The Testaments?

The Testaments is a sequel to both the original novel, The Handmaid's Tale, and the Hulu series. Picking up the story 15 years after the events of The Handmaid's Tale, it offers a new perspective on Gilead through the eyes of three narrators: Aunt Lydia, Agnes Jemima (a young woman living in Gilead), and Daisy (a young woman living in Canada).

Fan Theories and Reddit Discussions

Reddit communities like r/TheHandmaidsTale and r/HandmaidsTaleShow are filled with theories and discussions about the upcoming series. Here are some of the key points:

• The Identity of Daisy: One of the biggest mysteries is the identity of Daisy. Some fans speculate that Daisy is Nichole/Holly, June's daughter, while others propose that Charlotte/Angela might be Daisy. According to one Reddit theory, Charlotte makes more sense because her "kidnapping" could become a symbol for Gilead.
• June's Role: Many viewers are eager to see Elisabeth Moss reprise her role as June. The burning question is whether June will continue her fight against Gilead and if she will finally reunite with her daughter Hannah.
• Serena's Fate: The Reddit community is also curious about Serena's future. Some wonder if she will marry Commander Mark Tuello and what role June might play in eliminating him, based on past events.

Cast and Crew

While the full cast for The Testaments is yet to be revealed, some key figures have been confirmed:

• Aunt Lydia: Ann Dowd is expected to return as Aunt Lydia, one of the central characters in both the original series and The Testaments.
• Elisabeth Moss: Although not officially confirmed, many fans are hoping that Elisabeth Moss will reprise her role as June, even if in a limited capacity.
• Lucy Halliday: Lucy Halliday has been cast as Daisy, one of the lead characters. A behind-the-scenes photo of Halliday was shared on Reddit, generating excitement among fans.

The series is being developed by Hulu, with Bruce Miller, the showrunner of The Handmaid's Tale, also involved in the new project.

Plot Theories and Expectations

Based on the synopsis of The Testaments novel and the discussions on Reddit, here are some plot theories and expectations:

• Hannah's Fate: A significant plotline revolves around June's daughter, Hannah, who remains in Gilead. Fans are eager to see if June will finally succeed in rescuing her.
• Aunt Lydia's Backstory: The series is expected to delve deeper into Aunt Lydia's past, exploring how she survived after almost being hanged and why Gilead welcomed her back.
• New Perspectives: The Testaments offers a broader perspective on Gilead, introducing new characters and storylines that were not explored in the original series.
• Tradwives and Gilead: Bruce Miller described The Testaments as "Mean Girls under fascism," which has led to theories about how the series will portray teen girls in Gilead and their interactions with Tradwife culture.

Release Date and Production Updates

As of now, there is no official release date for The Testaments. However, production is underway, and fans are eagerly awaiting more updates. A table read has already taken place, as shared on Reddit, indicating that the series is moving forward.

Fan Reactions and Concerns

While many fans are excited about The Testaments, some have expressed concerns. One Reddit user shared their disappointment, stating that knowing the synopsis of The Testaments "takes away from what I just watched," as it reveals that June's daughter is still in Gilead 15 years later.

Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment is one of anticipation and excitement. Fans are eager to see how the story unfolds and what new twists and turns await them in the world of The Handmaid's Tale.

The Impact of The Testaments on The Handmaid's Tale Ending

Margaret Atwood's The Testaments has significantly influenced the ending of The Handmaid's Tale series. The showrunners had to rethink their original plans to align with the sequel novel's timeline and character arcs. This adaptation ensures a cohesive narrative that respects Atwood's vision while providing a satisfying conclusion to the TV series.

According to a report by AV Club, The Handmaid's Tale had to rethink its ending due to The Testaments. This highlights the importance of Atwood's sequel in shaping the future of the franchise.

Potential Storylines and Character Developments

The Testaments promises several compelling storylines and character developments:

• Aunt Lydia's Transformation: The series will likely explore the events that led Aunt Lydia to become a key figure in the resistance against Gilead, as depicted in The Testaments novel.
• Agnes and Daisy's Journey: The intertwined fates of Agnes and Daisy, representing the internal and external perspectives on Gilead, will be a central focus.
• June's Continued Resistance: Even if Elisabeth Moss has a smaller role, her influence on the events of The Testaments is expected to be significant.
• Serena's Redemption or Downfall: Depending on her choices, Serena could either find a path to redemption or face further consequences for her actions in Gilead.

Fan Hopes for the Spinoff

Reddit users have expressed several hopes for The Testaments:

• More Familiar Faces: Many hope to see familiar faces from The Handmaid's Tale, besides Aunt Lydia and potentially June.
• Detailed Backstories: Fans want to see detailed backstories for characters like Aunt Lydia and Janine, explaining their survival and roles in Gilead.
• Satisfying Conclusion: The biggest hope is for a satisfying conclusion to the overall story, with June finally getting Hannah back and Gilead facing justice.

Theories on Nichole's Future

One of the most discussed topics is Nichole's future and her role in The Testaments. Some theories suggest that Nichole, raised in Canada, will play a crucial role in bringing down Gilead from the outside. Others believe that she will grapple with her identity and her connection to Gilead.

A Reddit thread discusses who Nichole will live with and who she will believe her parents are, sparking various theories about her upbringing and future alliances.

The Testaments as "Mean Girls" Under Fascism

Bruce Miller's description of The Testaments as "Mean Girls under fascism" has intrigued many fans. This suggests that the series will explore the dynamics between young women in Gilead, similar to the popular movie "Mean Girls." This angle could provide a fresh and engaging perspective on life within Gilead's oppressive regime.

Final Thoughts

The Testaments promises to be an exciting and thought-provoking continuation of The Handmaid's Tale. With a mix of familiar faces, new characters, and intriguing plotlines, the series is poised to captivate audiences and delve deeper into the complex world of Gilead. As production continues, fans eagerly await more news and updates about this highly anticipated spinoff.

Stay tuned for more updates on The Testaments and other news from the world of The Handmaid's Tale.