With The Handmaid’s Tale concluding after an impactful six-season run, viewers are eager to dive into the sequel series, The Testaments. While Aunt Lydia, played by Ann Dowd, will reprise her role, the series will feature a fresh lineup of actors. Recently, the creators hinted that some familiar faces might make a comeback. However, not everyone is returning; Samira Wiley, who portrayed Moira, confirmed in a recent interview that she will not be part of the new series.
Wiley candidly stated, “I wish I could tease and say ‘maybe,’ but that’s going to be a no for me [to appear in The Testaments]. Moira’s fight is elsewhere. Who knows? Moira maybe should be there, but I don’t have it in me anymore.”
Reflecting on her time portraying Moira, Wiley shares, “It really has been a privilege to be able to tell a story from the beginning and the middle to the end.” She appreciated how season six depicted Moira evolving into a life that’s not solely focused on aiding June (Elisabeth Moss). It seems she is ready to move past the intense themes of The Handmaid’s Tale, especially with the current global landscape.
During the show’s debut season, Wiley noticed an overwhelming sense of responsibility among the cast, driven by real-life events. “There was this palpable sense of responsibility that we all now had because of what was happening in the world,” she remarked. “I’ll never get over seeing these women and people silently protesting by wearing the costumes that we wore.”
Yet as the years went by, that sense of responsibility became difficult to bear. Wiley shared, “It’s something I actually am really happy to be done with. It’s remarkable. This show is something that is going to stay with me forever—that this was a part of my career. However, I’m done with it. I don’t need for the show that I’m on to mirror what is happening nationally and globally. To be honest, I don’t want to be having those conversations.”
She also mentioned the emotional toll her role took on her. “The way that I take on my characters is in a way that I can’t always let go of them. It’s almost like I’m experiencing some of their emotions when talking about what’s happening in the world.”
The Handmaid’s Tale seasons 1 through 6 are now available for streaming on Hulu, while the premiere date for The Testaments remains unannounced.
What is The Testaments about? The Testaments will follow the lives of new characters, set in the same oppressive world as The Handmaid’s Tale, and is expected to explore themes of power and resistance.
Why is Samira Wiley not returning for the sequel? Samira Wiley has expressed a desire to move on from her role as Moira, feeling that she no longer has the emotional capacity to engage in that story.
What can fans expect from the new cast in The Testaments? Fans can anticipate a fresh perspective on the Gilead universe, with new characters bringing their unique stories and challenges into the spotlight.
How will The Testaments connect to The Handmaid’s Tale? While new characters will be introduced, the sequel is set to draw on familiar themes and potentially include cameos from characters known to fans, deepening the narrative tapestry.
If you’ve enjoyed The Handmaid’s Tale and are curious about what comes next, be sure to stay tuned for updates. Explore more related content at Moyens I/O.