Hulu is soon releasing a new series called The Testaments, which is a continuation of The Handmaid's Tale. Although the first season concluded earlier this year, Hulu is going to keep the story of Gilead alive through this upcoming series, which is based on Margaret Atwood's novel and takes place many years after the conclusion of The Handmaid's Tale series. The series begins its run on Hulu in April of 2026.The series is set within the same universe as The Handmaid's Tale; however will focus on new characters as well as some returning characters from the first series. The central themes will be focused on the lives of several female characters who are forced to deal with and live in a repressive regime of Gilead - some are attempting to live within the confines of Gilead, while others are fighting for their freedom. Fans are curious to see these new stories unfold.New stars and returning cast in The TestamentsThe Testaments will have both new actors and some returning stars. Many of these actors come from diverse backgrounds in film and television. They will play characters from the Handmaid's Tale world and new roles created for this series.Ann Dowd is one of the biggest names confirmed to be returning. She played Aunt Lydia in The Handmaid's Tale. Aunt Lydia is a powerful figure in Gilead’s society. She was once seen as a strict enforcer. In this show, her story continues.Chase Infiniti has been cast as Agnes. In the story, Agnes is a young woman born and raised in Gilead. She is also known as Hannah, June's daughter. Her life inside Gilead has shaped her world.Lucy Halliday will play Daisy. Daisy is also a young woman, and she is connected to Gilead in a different way. She grew up outside Gilead and has a very different past from Agnes.Rowan Blanchard is another key new cast member. She will play a character named Shunammite. Shunammite is described as a young woman from a wealthy Gilead family. She has a strong place among Gilead's elite. Mattea Conforti is in the show as Becka. Becka is a friend of Agnes, and she comes from humble origins and goes to school with Gilead's elite youth. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostAll these roles are new to the television series, The Testaments and they help expand the world of Gilead in fresh ways.Other confirmed cast membersThere are many other actors who will appear in The Testaments.These actors will play both new and important roles that shape the story.Mabel Li will play Aunt Vidala.Eva Foote will be Aunt Estee.Amy Seimetz will play Paula.Brad Alexander is cast as Garth.Zarrin Darnell-Martin will be Aunt Gabbana.Isolde Ardies will play Hulda.Shechinah Mpumlwana is cast as Jehosheba.Birva Pandya will play Miriam.Kira Guloien is cast as Rosa.Some of these cast members have not been seen in The Handmaid's Tale before. This will give fans new faces and new talent to enjoy in this sequel series.What is The Testaments about, and how does the cast fit in?The events depicted in The Testament take place years after the events depicted in The Handmaid's Tale. While the world of Gilead continues to experience significant changes over the years, it continues to be an oppressive place for women to navigate successfully. The focus of this storyline is on how women cope with the challenges of Gilead and fight against them, in addition to attempting to rise above the oppression of Gilead.Agnes represents the largest segment of this world because she was born and raised in Gilead and knows very well the regulations it requires of its citizens. In contrast, Daisy represents what occurs to women who were not raised in the confines of the system. The two characters meet through the means of survival and continuing to fight against the oppressive system, and this will be an important element of the story.Aunt Lydia is a figure of power who once enforced the strict ways of Gilead. This new series may show changes in her role and her understanding of the world around her.Other characters like Shunammite, Becka, Aunt Vidala, and the rest of the cast help show the many parts of life in Gilead. Some are allies, and others are obstacles. Each character has a different part to play in life and power in Gilead.Behind the scenesThe Testaments is being produced by creators and producers from The Handmaid's Tale. Bruce Miller, who helped shape the original series, is involved in producing The Testaments. Elisabeth Moss is also a producer, even though her return as a character is not confirmed.Production on the series began in April 2025 and finished later that year. The show is now being prepared for its premiere in April 2026 on Hulu.This is what we know so far about the cast and characters for The Testaments. New faces will be joining the story, while some familiar ones make their way back to Gilead. There is still more to learn as the show gets closer to its release date.