“The Testaments”’ Brad Alexander Says Meeting Margaret Atwood Was a ‘Bucket List Thing’ (Exclusive)

Brad Alexander Takes on Garth in Hulu’s Adaptation of Atwood’s *The Testaments*

The anticipation for the Hulu adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s *The Testaments* has reached a fever pitch, especially with the show’s recent Los Angeles premiere on 31 March. Among the cast members, Brad Alexander, who plays the character Garth, expressed his excitement about taking part in this continuation of Atwood’s iconic narrative.

For Alexander, meeting the esteemed author was a significant personal milestone. Speaking to PEOPLE at the premiere event, he described this encounter as a “bucket list” moment. “Meeting Margaret Atwood was probably the top of the list for me,” he stated, clearly overwhelmed by the experience. The actor added, “I was really, really grateful to meet her, actually,” reflecting on the impact that Atwood’s work has had on both his life and the literary world.

*The Testaments*, published in 2019, serves as the sequel to Atwood’s critically-acclaimed 1985 novel, *The Handmaid’s Tale*. The original story introduced readers to a dystopian society, where women, particularly those capable of giving birth, are subjugated to a life of servitude in the Republic of Gilead. The initial book not only gained wide acclaim but was also adapted into a successful television series starring Elisabeth Moss, which ran for six seasons on Hulu.

The new series picks up the narrative fifteen years after the conclusion of *The Handmaid’s Tale*, exploring the lives of a new generation of women impacted by Gilead’s oppressive regime. Alexander’s character, Garth, is presented with moral challenges as he navigates the complexities of his role within this world. He revealed, “He’s complex. He’s being pulled in a lot of different directions morally, so there’s a lot of indecision and a lot of presumption about what he has to do in this world.”

To prepare for the role, Alexander wasted no time and reportedly procured copies of both *The Testaments* and *The Handmaid’s Tale* to immerse himself in Atwood’s narrative universe. He expressed his enthusiasm for the adaptation, stating, “It’s an incredible story, and so cool to see it developed into a TV show.”

The ensemble cast also features notable talents including Ann Dowd, Chase Infiniti, Rowan Blanchard, Lucy Halliday, Mattea Conforti, and Mabel Li. Alexander spoke fondly of his co-stars, admitting that being one of the few men in the cast was somewhat intimidating. “All these girls are incredibly talented, and I learned a lot from working with them,” he remarked.

As for what audiences can expect, Alexander hinted at a shift in perspective within the series. “We have a new perspective in the show, and it’s from the perspective of girls who would become wives — the kind of wives we detested in *The Handmaid’s Tale*,” he explained. He stressed that viewers would develop a certain sympathy for these characters, gaining insights into their experiences and motivations.

With episodes premiering weekly starting on 8 April, Alexander is hopeful that fans of the original series will appreciate the fresh take on Atwood’s themes. He placed emphasis on the importance of understanding the new angles presented in this adaptation, stating, “You’ll see a new side of their lives.”

Overall, the combination of Atwood’s literary prowess and Alexander’s committed portrayal promises to add depth to the complex narrative, making the new series one to watch.