New Generation Steps Into the Shadows of Gilead: “The Testaments” Premieres
A new chapter in the chilling dystopian world of “The Handmaid’s Tale” has officially begun with the world premiere of its highly anticipated spin-off, “The Testaments,” at the Series Mania festival in Lille, France. Stepping into this well-established and beloved universe is Scottish actress Lucy Halliday, who admits to feeling a significant weight of responsibility in her new role.
Halliday, a native of Paisley in Renfrewshire, shared her thoughts on the daunting yet exciting prospect of joining the franchise. “You feel a responsibility stepping into this world that already exists and is so loved,” she stated on stage in Lille. However, she was quick to highlight the invaluable support system she had. “I was able to ‘lean’ on the experience and knowledge of the production team,” Halliday explained, specifically mentioning Hollywood star Elisabeth Moss, who also serves as an executive producer on the show.
“The Testaments” is based on Margaret Atwood’s follow-up novel and introduces Daisy, a new convert played by the 21-year-old Halliday. The narrative follows Daisy as she navigates the treacherous environment of an elite school designed for ‘future wives,’ where strict obedience is paramount. Halliday’s journey into this complex role has been a whirlwind, including attending press events and promoting her part in “California Schemin’,” the directorial debut of fellow Scots actor James McAvoy. Yet, until the premiere, her specific involvement in “The Testaments” remained under wraps due to strict confidentiality agreements.
When questioned about how she and her co-star, Chase Infiniti, brought their “own voices” to the dark narrative, Halliday emphasised the strength of the source material and their existing fandom. “We had such strong source material ready, and we’ve both been fans of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale.’ We’ve seen the show and read the books,” she said. The collaborative process was further enriched by the guidance of the creative team, including Ann, Warren Littlefield, Bruce Miller, and Elisabeth Moss.
Halliday elaborated on the supportive atmosphere: “We had so much to lean on to inform us of who our characters were. Bruce is so open and willing to have a conversation and would sit down with you and let you brainstorm what you thought the character should be or the thoughts that you had. That really created a wonderful environment.” This collaborative spirit, she believes, provides a solid foundation for their performances. “I feel reassured, these people have trusted me and they’re giving me the space to step into that world. I feel like we can do a good job because we’ve got so many people behind us and so much information that we can use. I really hope the audience thinks so too.”
The original “The Handmaid’s Tale,” starring Elisabeth Moss as the defiant June, captivated audiences with its depiction of women living under a brutal theocracy in the fictional state of Gilead. The series was a significant ratings success, with its finale attracting 4.4 million viewers within its first week of streaming.
Chase Infiniti, 25, who plays Agnes in “The Testaments,” also graced the premiere event. Her attendance followed her presence at the Academy Awards, where the film she starred in with Leonardo DiCaprio, “One Battle After Another,” secured six accolades, including Best Picture.
Infiniti shared insights into the impact of costumes on her character’s portrayal. “It definitely is. It’s your first piece of armour in a way,” she explained. “All of our costumes were made to fit us perfectly, but they can even be restrictive at times, which I think helped to get into the physicality of our roles. For Agnes, it helped me figure out how she would walk [with] her nobility in this world.” Halliday echoed this sentiment, noting that her own robe similarly informed her character’s movement, highlighting the costumes as a crucial element in character development.
Veteran actress Ann Dowd, reprising her role as the formidable Aunt Lydia, revealed a surprising affection for her character. “I don’t judge her and she’s come to be a very dear friend of mine,” Dowd stated, adhering to the acting principle of not judging the individuals they portray. “I’ve come to know her, she’s come to know me and I couldn’t be more grateful.” She added, “Imagine knowing a character for this many years. How lucky can one be? I’m entirely grateful.”
Director Bruce Miller offered a thematic overview of “The Testaments,” explaining how it shifts the focus from the lower echelons of Gilead in “The Handmaid’s Tale” to the young women at the top. “Handmaid’s Tale covered people who were at the bottom of Gilead and this show is about young women who are at the top of Gilead,” Miller said. “It also shows how, for women, the top and the bottom are very similar. This is a story about that awakening and that rebellion among the younger women of Gilead – the ones who had grown up there.”
Producer Warren Littlefield spoke about infusing humanity into the dark narrative, stating, “We live in a world that’s a dark place. Hope comes from their strength and resilience.” He teased the characters’ journey: “These young women have an awakening in season one and they will come to fight it and let’s hope they take it down.”
The Series Mania festival runs until March 27. “The Testaments” is set to broadcast in the UK from April 8 on Disney+.
