APPLETON, Wis. — Hulu has unveiled the first trailer for The Testaments, the highly anticipated spinoff of The Handmaid’s Tale, spotlighting a new generation's rebellion against the oppressive regime of Gilead. Released on Thursday, March 5, the trailer centers on Agnes, the daughter of the original series' protagonist June Osborne, as she emerges as a leader in an underground revolt. Portrayed by Chase Infiniti, Agnes — formerly known as Hannah — narrates haunting flashbacks that underscore the personal toll of Gilead's dystopian control.
In the voiceover, Agnes reflects on her childhood innocence amid the regime's grip, saying, “I’m not really sure what year it was. I know I still had my dollhouse. It looked just like our real house.” As the trailer plays to the strains of “Dreams” by The Cranberries, she continues, “Some dolls, we were always busy. Others were always doing the important work. There is a little girl doll. That’s me.” These lines set a tone of lost childhood and dawning awareness, with Agnes adding, “Back then, we still believed in this world. I guess it’s easier to accept the story than believe that the people around you are monsters.”
The trailer's narrative arc hints at Agnes's evolving role, shifting from passive acceptance to active resistance. It introduces Daisy, played by Lucy Halliday, a newcomer at the school overseen by the formidable Aunt Lydia, portrayed by Ann Dowd. Agnes questions Daisy's motives in a tense exchange: “I imagine Canada is very different from here. Which makes me wonder, what did you come here for?” Daisy, who appears to harbor secretive plans, adds intrigue to the story, suggesting alliances that could undermine Gilead from within.
Aunt Lydia remains a pivotal figure, steadfast in her mission to enforce the regime's ideology. According to the trailer, she is “still focused on bringing women back to their rightful place,” yet cracks in the system are evident as whispers of revolution spread. Agnes's voiceover builds to a climactic declaration: “There comes a time when you have to take action. But you have to choose your own destiny.” She teases the group's untapped potential, stating, “We had no idea what we were capable of. It was time for us to change things.”
The Testaments is based on Margaret Atwood’s 2019 novel of the same name, a sequel to her 1985 classic The Handmaid’s Tale. The original Hulu series, which aired from 2017 to 2025, depicted a near-future America transformed into the theocratic Republic of Gilead following a fertility crisis and societal collapse. Women, stripped of rights, were categorized and assigned roles, with handmaids forced into reproductive servitude. The show, created by Bruce Miller, garnered critical acclaim and multiple Emmy Awards, concluding its sixth and final season earlier this year.
Set 15 years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale, The Testaments shifts focus to a new cast navigating Gilead's entrenched power structure. Narrated by Aunt Lydia, the series follows Agnes and Daisy as they pose as “Pearl Girls” — missionaries sent to infiltrate Canada — to smuggle damning evidence of Gilead's atrocities. Lydia, operating as a double agent inside the regime, provides covert intelligence, blurring lines between loyalty and betrayal.
The ensemble cast brings fresh faces alongside returning talent. In addition to Infiniti as Agnes, Halliday as Daisy, and Dowd reprising her role as Aunt Lydia, the series features Eva Foote, Rowan Blanchard, Kira Guloien, Amy Seimetz, and Brad Alexander in key roles. Supporting actors include Birva Pandya, Zarrin Darnell-Martin, Mattea Conforti, Shechinah Mpumlwana, Mabel Li, and Isolde Ardies, each contributing to the layered portrayal of resistance and survival.
Creator Bruce Miller has addressed how the spinoff adapts Atwood’s work, emphasizing creative liberties. In a 2022 interview with TVLine, Miller explained, “Margaret writes these absolutely deliciously specific characters. We had to go away from that in Handmaid’s, and we’re going to have to go away from that in Testaments. Testaments is certainly going to be a sequel to the show.” This approach allows the series to build on the television continuity rather than strictly adhering to the book's plot, accommodating fan expectations while exploring new territory.
Showrunner Yahlin Chang, who helmed the final season of The Handmaid’s Tale, offered insights into the transition. Speaking to TV Insider in March 2025, Chang noted that the sixth season “wrapped up certain plot points in some very satisfying ways.” She added, “Any fans that are left wanting more are going to get more in The Testaments, which will be great for them. But it does conclude in some very satisfying ways many of the story lines, but not every single one.” This handover promises continuity for unresolved arcs, particularly those involving June's family.
The trailer's release comes amid heightened interest in dystopian narratives, reflecting ongoing cultural conversations about authoritarianism, women's rights, and resistance. Atwood’s works have long served as cautionary tales, with The Handmaid’s Tale inspiring real-world activism, including protests adopting its imagery. Hulu's decision to extend the franchise underscores the enduring relevance of these themes, especially as the series premieres on April 8, just weeks after the trailer's debut.
Production on The Testaments began following the conclusion of its predecessor, with filming locations spanning Toronto, which has doubled as both Gilead and parts of Canada in the franchise. The spinoff maintains the original's atmospheric tension, blending intimate character studies with broader societal critique. While the trailer avoids major spoilers, it positions Agnes as a symbol of generational defiance, echoing her mother June's unyielding spirit.
Fans have reacted enthusiastically online, with social media buzzing about Infiniti's performance and the trailer's emotional depth. One viewer posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Seeing Hannah/Agnes take charge gave me chills — this is the revolution we’ve been waiting for.” Others praised the musical choice, noting how The Cranberries' “Dreams” evokes a sense of fragile hope amid despair.
As The Testaments prepares for its Hulu debut, it arrives at a pivotal moment for the streaming service, which has invested heavily in prestige adaptations. The series not only extends Atwood’s universe but also introduces new voices to the conversation on gender and power. With Aunt Lydia's narration guiding viewers back into Gilead's shadows, audiences can expect a narrative that challenges complacency and amplifies calls for change.
Looking ahead, the premiere on April 8 marks the start of what could be another multi-season arc, depending on reception. Hulu has not announced episode counts or renewal plans, but the trailer's promise of high-stakes intrigue suggests strong potential. For devotees of the franchise, The Testaments offers closure and continuation, bridging past traumas with future possibilities in Atwood’s unforgiving world.
In the broader landscape of television, this spinoff highlights the evolution of book-to-screen adaptations, balancing fidelity with innovation. As Miller indicated, deviations from the source material allow for a tailored sequel that honors the show's legacy while forging its own path. Whether The Testaments will match its predecessor's cultural impact remains to be seen, but the trailer alone has reignited anticipation for stories that dare to imagine resistance against the odds.