Stephen Colbert has made a surprising appearance in the new sequel series to “The Handmaid’s Tale,” titled “The Testaments.” The series launched with its first three episodes on 8 April and is available for viewing on Hulu. Colbert’s involvement is kept under wraps, featuring him in a unique capacity.
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In “The Testaments,” Stephen Colbert lends his voice to a radio station that plays a pivotal role in the story. The character Daisy, portrayed by Lucy Halliday, clandestinely tunes into Radio Free Boston from within the oppressive regime of Gilead. This station serves as Daisy’s link to the resistance group Mayday, allowing her to maintain a connection to the outside world while being trapped in a patriarchal society.
Bruce Miller, the show’s showrunner, expressed appreciation for Colbert’s contribution, noting that he was generous with his time. Miller described Colbert as an apt choice for the role, stating, “He was lovely to do it for us, and we very much appreciate it.” According to Miller, Colbert embodies the essence of free speech in America, making his involvement in the series all the more fitting.
“The Testaments” unfolds 15 years after the climactic events of “The Handmaid’s Tale.” It is rooted in Margaret Atwood’s 2019 novel of the same name and centres on the lives of two teenagers, Daisy and Agnes, who are educated at a prestigious preparatory school. This institution, run by the character Aunt Lydia, played by Ann Dowd, prepares young women to become compliant wives for influential men in Gilead.
During a pre-launch interview, Miller emphasised that “The Testaments” stands as an independent series. He assured audiences that familiarity with “The Handmaid’s Tale” is not necessary to enjoy the new show. “You don’t have to watch The Handmaid’s Tale, and even if you don’t know anything about a Handmaid, I wanted it to be very user-friendly,” he explained.
Elisabeth Moss, who portrayed June Osborne in the original series, remains heavily involved with the sequel. She not only acts as a producer but also reprises her role as June, appearing multiple times across the initial episodes. Miller reiterated Moss’s significance to the project, calling her a “creative partner since the beginning.” He remarked, “She’s integral. She would have been central to this show anyway, even if she wasn’t in it. I think she was very eager to come back.”
Miller expressed a desire to have Moss continue her journey as June. However, he acknowledged the challenges of her busy schedule. “You feel that she has more to do and have a sense of what she would be doing,” he said, reflecting on the character’s trajectory. Given Moss’s extensive commitments as a producer, actress, and director, the prospect of her involvement was uncertain up until the show’s production.
Critics and fans of the original series can look forward to new episodes of “The Testaments,” which air weekly on Wednesdays via Hulu. The introduction of Colbert’s character serves as an intriguing twist, further enriching the narrative landscape of this dystopian universe. With its blend of familiar characters and new storylines, the sequel aims to capture the interest of both loyal viewers and new audiences alike.
As the series unfolds, it appears to navigate the complexities of resistance within a totalitarian regime, reflecting current social issues while maintaining the gripping storytelling that made its predecessor a hit. With Elisabeth Moss firmly at the helm and surprises like Colbert’s cameo, “The Testaments” seeks to carve out its own distinct identity while paying homage to the original series. The response from audiences will likely play a significant role in shaping the future of this continuation of a beloved, though harrowing, narrative.