“She had work to do”: Handmaid’s Tale character makes surprise cameo in new spin-off The Testaments

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The Testaments spoilers for episodes 1-3 follow.

The first episode of The Testaments, the spin-off to The Handmaid’s Tale, ended with a shocking moment: a major character from the original series unexpectedly appeared, hinting at an important link to the new plot.

Based on Margaret Atwood’s 2019 novel—the same author who wrote The Handmaid’s Tale—The Testaments tells the story of the Commanders’ daughters in the Republic of Gilead. It explores what their seemingly privileged lives are really like as they begin to understand the oppressive nature of their society.

The story centers on the friendship between Agnes MacKenzie, portrayed by Chase Infiniti from One Battle After Another, and Daisy, a new student who recently moved from Canada (played by Lucy Halliday).

In the final moments of the first episode, Elisabeth Moss returns as June Osborne, making it clear that her character remains determined to overthrow the oppressive regime of Gilead.

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Before the show could explore June’s connection with the latest characters, the third episode revealed how June played a key role in bringing Daisy to Gilead. Daisy, whose parents were part of the Mayday resistance, is now undercover in Gilead, suggesting the struggle for freedom will continue.

Before the unexpected appearance, Bruce Miller, the showrunner for The Testaments, said June’s return to the show hinged on several things, with Elisabeth Moss’s schedule being the most important.

He told Entertainment Weekly that Elisabeth Moss’s participation in the show hinges on her availability that week.

Miller explained that June’s story needed to reach a specific conclusion before it could end, meaning certain events had to happen first.

“That character really felt like she needed, still needs — she had work to do,” he continued.

Actor Ann Dowd, who shared a powerful scene with Elisabeth Moss in episode 3 of The Testaments, said working with Moss was a real honor. She explained, “Elisabeth Moss is Offred. It was a privilege to act alongside her, and I was very aware of that.”

I realized I kept finding myself watching her,” she said. “During breaks in filming, I’d just sit and observe her, because she completely understands this character and the story’s world.

The Testaments episodes 1-3 are streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

The latest issue of Living Legends is available now! This special 100-page, full-colour magazine celebrates the life and work of Sir David Attenborough. You can find it at newsstands or order it online.

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2026-04-08 15:49