The Handmaid's Tale Cast: Where Are They Now? Full List Of Returning Stars For The Final Season 6 And The Testaments Spin-Off

The Handmaid's Tale is preparing for its dramatic conclusion with the highly anticipated sixth and final season, bringing the saga of June Osborne and the dystopian world of Gilead to an end. As of late 2025, production and casting news for this final chapter—and the subsequent spin-off—have been released, confirming the return of the core ensemble who have haunted our screens for years.

The final season promises to tie up the intense storylines left hanging, particularly the ongoing conflict between June and the newly empowered Serena Joy Waterford. Fans are eager to see which beloved stars are back for the epic finale and who will transition into the world of the sequel series, The Testaments, marking the beginning of the next chapter in Margaret Atwood’s terrifying vision.

The Core Cast of The Handmaid's Tale: A Complete Profile List

The ensemble cast of The Handmaid’s Tale is critically acclaimed, with many receiving Emmy and Golden Globe recognition for their powerful performances. Here is a look at the main actors who defined the series, including their character profiles and a brief biography.

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• Elisabeth Moss (June Osborne / Offred / Ofjoseph)
  • Character Profile: The protagonist, a Handmaid who becomes the face of the resistance against Gilead. Her journey has taken her from compliance to fierce rebellion, culminating in her escape to Canada and her continued fight for her daughter, Hannah.
  • Biography: Born Elisabeth Singleton Moss on July 24, 1982, in Los Angeles, California. She is a British-American actress, director, and producer. Before The Handmaid's Tale, she was known for her roles in The West Wing and Mad Men. She has won multiple awards, including two Golden Globes.
• Yvonne Strahovski (Serena Joy Waterford)
  • Character Profile: The co-creator of Gilead’s oppressive social structure and the Commander’s Wife who becomes a complex adversary and sometimes ally to June. Her character arc has seen her lose her status and become a refugee.
  • Biography: Born Yvonne Jaqueline Strzechowski on July 30, 1982, in Werrington Downs, Sydney, Australia. She is an Australian actress of Polish descent. She is noted for her roles in dramatic television and began acting lessons at age 12.
• Bradley Whitford (Commander Joseph Lawrence)
  • Character Profile: A mysterious and intellectual Commander, often cited as the architect of Gilead's economy. He is a key player in the political maneuvering, now positioned to potentially reform Gilead from within, or destroy it.
  • Biography: Born October 10, 1959. Whitford is a well-known American actor who has won three Primetime Emmy Awards. His prominent roles include Josh Lyman in The West Wing and his work in Get Out.
• Max Minghella (Nick Blaine)
  • Character Profile: June’s former lover and the father of her second daughter, Nichole. He began as a Guardian and later became a powerful Commander, often acting as a secret source of aid for June.
  • Biography: Born September 6, 1985. Minghella is an English actor and filmmaker. He is the son of the late director Anthony Minghella and choreographer Carolyn Choa. His other notable roles include appearances in The Social Network and Spiral.
• Ann Dowd (Aunt Lydia Clements)
  • Character Profile: The terrifying but complex figure responsible for training and disciplining the Handmaids. Her character is a crucial link to the future, as she is set to be the central figure in the spin-off, The Testaments.
  • Biography: Born January 30, 1956. Dowd is an American actress known for her powerful dramatic roles. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her portrayal of Aunt Lydia. Her career spans decades with notable roles in films like Compliance and Hereditary.
• O-T Fagbenle (Luke Bankole)
  • Character Profile: June’s husband from before Gilead, who escaped to Toronto and has tirelessly worked to rescue his family and fight Gilead from the outside. He is a steadfast symbol of June’s past life.
  • Biography: Born January 22, 1981. Fagbenle is a British actor, writer, and director. He has a diverse career, including roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Rick Mason and in the British sitcom Grownups.
• Samira Wiley (Moira Strand)
  • Character Profile: June’s best friend, who was also a Handmaid (Ofglen) before escaping to Canada. She has become a vital advocate for refugees and a constant source of support for June in Toronto.
  • Biography: Born April 15, 1987. Wiley is an American actress and producer, widely recognized for her Emmy-nominated role as Poussey Washington in Orange Is the New Black. She is married to writer Lauren Morelli.

The Shocking Departures and New Faces for The Final Season

The final season of The Handmaid’s Tale will feature a mix of familiar faces and intriguing new additions, while also acknowledging the absence of some major characters from earlier seasons. The dynamics of the cast in Season 6 reflect the changing political landscape of the show's world.

The Fate of Commander Fred Waterford (Joseph Fiennes)

One of the most significant cast departures occurred at the end of Season 4. Joseph Fiennes, who played the villainous Commander Fred Waterford, was killed by June and a group of former Handmaids in a moment of brutal "Gilead Justice." While Fiennes will not be a main cast member in Season 6, his character’s death—and the subsequent impact on Serena Joy—is the driving force behind the final season's tension.

Alexis Bledel's Emotional Exit as Emily/Ofglen

Another major cast member who departed the series was Alexis Bledel, who played Emily/Ofglen, a former Handmaid and professor who managed to escape Gilead. Bledel announced her departure before Season 5, stating, "After much thought, I felt I had to step away from The Handmaid's Tale at this time." The actor's decision to step away was personal, with some speculation linking it to her divorce and a desire to focus on her personal life. Her character was written off as having returned to Gilead to continue the fight, leaving a void in June’s support network.

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Intriguing New Cast Members for Season 6

The final season is set to introduce new characters that will undoubtedly complicate the existing power struggles between Gilead and Canada. The series has confirmed the addition of two highly respected actors, though details about their roles remain closely guarded secrets, creating significant buzz among fans and media.

• Josh Charles: Known for his roles in The Good Wife and Dead Poets Society, Charles's role is currently under wraps. His presence suggests a significant new Commander or a powerful figure in the Canadian government.
• D'Arcy Carden: Best known for her comedic role in The Good Place, Carden’s casting in a dramatic series like The Handmaid’s Tale is a surprise. Her character could be a new Handmaid, a Martha, or perhaps a key player in the outside world assisting the resistance.

From Gilead to The Testaments: The Spin-Off Cast

While The Handmaid’s Tale is ending, the universe is expanding with the sequel series, The Testaments, based on Margaret Atwood's 2019 novel. This spin-off is a major development that ensures the story of Gilead continues, focusing on the future generation and the internal workings of the regime.

The cast for The Testaments is centered around one returning original cast member and an exciting new ensemble, providing a fresh perspective 15 years after the events of the original series.

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Ann Dowd Reprising Her Iconic Role

The most crucial casting news for the spin-off is the return of Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia. Her character, who is a complex villain and a crucial figure in the book, will serve as the narrative anchor, guiding viewers through the inner workings of the Aunts' training center and the secrets of Gilead’s leadership.

New Stars Leading The Next Chapter

The sequel series introduces several new characters central to the plot, including June's two daughters, Agnes (Nicole) and Daisy (Hannah), and a mysterious figure named Aunt Victoria. The first confirmed new lead is:

• Chase Infiniti (Agnes/Nicole): Infiniti is set to lead the ensemble cast as Agnes, one of the central figures in the narrative of The Testaments. The story follows her life under Gilead’s control and her eventual involvement in the resistance.

The transition of Ann Dowd from the main series to the spin-off provides a powerful bridge for fans, allowing the exploration of topical themes like totalitarianism, female oppression, and the power of resistance to continue for years to come. The final season of The Handmaid's Tale and the upcoming launch of The Testaments solidify this franchise as a powerhouse in modern dramatic television.