The Testaments exec producer reveals they can’t always give fans what they want

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After six difficult and emotionally draining seasons, The Handmaid’s Tale ended last year without a reunion between June and her daughter Hannah, who had been taken by Gilead as a child. This was because a continuation of the story, based on the book The Testaments, had already been planned.

Showrunner Eric Tuchman told the Los Angeles Times that it was painful not to reunite the characters, as fans really wanted it to happen. He explained that this unfulfilled desire was a major motivation for June throughout the entire series.

Yahlin Chang, the show’s creator, shared that they faced a significant challenge: balancing what the audience and even she herself wanted with the story’s needs. She found the concept of a character sharing the story with Hannah particularly moving.

This follow-up story is based on Margaret Atwood’s 2019 novel and takes place a few years after the events of the TV series (though 15 years later in the book). It’s set in the world of Gilead and focuses on three main characters, including Hannah, who is now known as Agnes, and is portrayed by Chase Infiniti, known for their work in ‘One Battle After Another’.

Because of her father’s important position in the military, Agnes goes to a prestigious school designed to train her to be the ideal wife in Gilead.

So, as far removed from her freedom fighting mother as she can get.

Fans are excited about a potential reunion in The Testaments, and it would certainly feel deserved. However, the show’s creator, Bruce Miller, and executive producer, Warren Littlefield, have talked about the challenge of meeting audience expectations while still staying true to the story.

I definitely consider what the audience wants when I’m working on a project, because I care about the story and the characters just as much as they do,” Miller explained to TopMob.

Agnes is deeply invested in her own happiness, and the audience sees that. She wants a relationship and a fulfilling life, so anything that makes you connect with her and feel empathy is what draws you into the story.

“And worrying about the characters is certainly one of those things you can share with them.”

Although they welcome strong opinions from fans, Littlefield explained that they won’t necessarily follow every request when it comes to the show’s storyline.

He noted that the fans are engaged, attentive, and enthusiastic, which is exactly what they want. Miller chimed in, pointing out that the lively discussions among fans are similar to the brainstorming sessions within the writers’ room.

It’s really rewarding to see the audience having the same conversations we are,” he explained. “They’re debating and challenging ideas, just like we do every day.

It’s reassuring when everyone understands and agrees on the same goals. Knowing that makes me feel like I’m heading in the right direction. Receiving feedback online is also really helpful for keeping the team aligned and focused.

Back then, it could take seven months to receive letters, which wasn’t useful when you were trying to make a film.

Besides Agnes, we’re introduced to Daisy, who’s a fascinating character. She’s new to the community, having come from outside the strict borders of Gilead – basically, she’s from Canada, which feels like a whole different world in this story. It’s interesting to see things through her eyes as she adjusts to this new life.

She and Agnes go to school together at a place run by Aunt Lydia, and their connection will dramatically change everything about their lives – what happened before, what’s happening now, and what will happen next.

I was reading an interview with Ann Dowd, and she said it’s been such a gift to play her character again. She mentioned she’s been with the role for seven years now, and honestly, that’s amazing! It’s wonderful to hear an actor feel that kind of connection to a character over such a long time.

She’s experienced a lot of transformation, changes she initiated herself after June Osborne defeated her at the end of The Handmaid’s Tale. She hinted at a new direction for the character, describing a more compassionate Aunt Lydia and a completely different setting.

She’s moved on from the intense emotional burden of her role in The Handmaid’s Tale, and I believe that’s a good thing.

The Testaments will be premiering on Disney+ in the UK on Wednesday 8 April 2026.

Don’t miss out on The Testaments! Add it to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download the app today for daily TV suggestions, exclusive features, and more.

Authors

Abby RobinsonDrama Editor

Hey, I’m Abby Robinson, and I’m a total TV drama and comedy fanatic! I get to write about all the latest shows for TopMob, which is awesome. Before this, I was a TV writer at Digital Spy and did some writing for Mumsnet. I’ve got a strong background in English – I have both a degree and a postgraduate diploma in English Studies, so I really love digging into storytelling.

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2026-04-01 10:35