As the world of The Handmaid’s Tale prepares to return for its sixth and final season this April, fans of the dystopian drama have even more to look forward to with the upcoming spin-off, The Testaments. Based on Margaret Atwood’s 2019 sequel, the new Hulu series will introduce a fresh chapter in the Gilead universe, which remains chillingly close to our own reality.
Amy Seimetz, an accomplished actress, writer, and director, has been announced as a series regular for The Testaments. Seimetz, known for her roles in The Killing, Get Shorty, and Sweet Tooth, will portray Paula, a key character in the story. Paula is the stepmother to Agnes, the daughter of June Osborne (played by Elisabeth Moss) and Luke Bankole (O-T Fagbenle), who was previously known as Hannah in The Handmaid’s Tale.
In the novel The Testaments, set 15 years after the events of the original series, Agnes is one of three central characters, alongside Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) and Daisy, a young girl who lives outside of Gilead. Seimetz’s character, Paula, will serve as an antagonistic force against Agnes, harboring resentment towards her and desiring a child of her own.
This role marks a significant milestone in Seimetz’s career, expanding her TV presence beyond recurring roles. In addition to her acting career, Seimetz is also a talented writer and director. Her 2020 psychological horror film She Dies Tomorrow, which was distributed by Neon, earned critical acclaim for its haunting exploration of mental disarray. Seimetz’s directorial work extends beyond film, with notable contributions to TV series such as The Girlfriend Experience, Atlanta, Outer Range, and most recently, Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
As The Handmaid’s Tale wraps up its final season, which begins on April 8, fans can expect a continued deep dive into the brutal world of Gilead. Moss, who stars as June and serves as an executive producer, also directs the first two and final two episodes of the season. Meanwhile, The Testaments promises to expand on the legacy of Gilead, bringing new characters and fresh challenges to an already deeply complex narrative.
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