Handmaid's Tale Spinoff The Testaments Adds Presumed Innocent Star As Lead Character In New Development Update

The Handmaid's Tale spinoff The Testaments has added a Presumed Innocent star as a lead character in a new development update for the new adaptation. The Handmaid's Tale season 6 begins on April 8, 2025, marking the final season of the show based on Margaret Atwood's novel of the same name. As the show has been coming to a close, an adaptation of its sequel book, The Testaments, has been in the works. It will be headed by the show's former showrunner Bruce Miller, who oversaw the first five seasons of the original series.

Now, Deadlinehas confirmed The Testaments has almost been greenlit at Hulu, with Presumed Innocent star Chase Infiniti set to portray one of the three lead characters. She will be joined by Ann Dowd, returning to her role as Aunt Lydia from The Handmaid's Tale. The show is also expected to begin filming at the end of March 2025 in Toronto, Canada, meaning it won't be long until Atwood's sequel novel finally arrives on the small screen.

What The Testaments' Casting & Filming Update Means For The Show

The Handmaid's Tale Spinoff Is Right Around The Corner

Jaden (Chase Infiniti) close up on the night of Carolyn's murder in Presumed Innocent Season 1 Episode 8

Infiniti made her TV acting debut as Jaden Sabich in Presumed Innocent, Rusty's (Jake Gyllenhaal) daughter who had an important role throughout the show. If Atwood's novel is being accurately adapted, The Testaments' story necessitates new perspectives from two new characters, Agnes, who lives in Gilead, and Daisy, who lives in Canada. Given the time jump between the two shows, it's possible for the actor to be playing either character, though one in particular has already been subtly set up in the flagship show.

The filming update is another major clue as to when the series is going to come out. The Handmaid's Tale season 6 wrapped production in early February 2025, with the release date for season 6 confirmed for just two months later. If the cast of The Testamentsis preparing to film in March, then episodes for the spinoff could be released as early as 2026. It's also positive confirmation that, despite setbacks from the Covid-19 pandemic to the 2023 Hollywood strikes, Hulu is now prioritizing the franchise as one door closes and another opens.

Our Take On The Testaments' Latest Updates

A Good Sign For The Franchise's Continued Future

With The Testaments already having casting and a filming start window, The Handmaid's Tale is poised for a very big expansion on Hulu, even as the main show ends. With just one last season that will end June's story and transition into the next chapter of the series, Infiniti's casting is a strong way to emphasize the new show's focus on the next generation. There are still plenty of details yet to be revealed, but these will no doubt come after the main show's closing episodes.