The Handmaid’s Tale Finale: Cast Reflects on June’s Journey, Emily’s Return, and What’s Next in The Testaments

The Handmaid’s Tale Finale: Cast Reflects on June’s Journey, Emily’s Return, and What’s Next in The Testaments

Spoiler Alert: Contains spoilers for Season 6 of The Handmaid’s Tale

As The Handmaid’s Tale reaches its emotional series finale, the cast and creators gathered in Los Angeles at the Directors Guild of America to celebrate the legacy of the Emmy-winning dystopian drama. The event was filled with reflection, surprise appearances, and exciting revelations about the sequel series, The Testaments.

A Powerful Ending for June Osborne

Elisabeth Moss, who stars as June Osborne and also served as director and executive producer, opened up about filming the finale’s poignant final scenes. In a deeply symbolic moment, June walks through the wreckage of the Waterfords’ house — a place of trauma and transformation — while reflecting on her time as the handmaid Offred.

“It was a really beautiful experience,” said Moss. “The set was closed to maintain calm, and everyone on the crew treated it as the most important scene they’d ever worked on.”

Full Circle: Emily Returns

One of the most emotional moments in the finale was the return of Emily Malek, played by Alexis Bledel. Her appearance was kept secret until the final moments, marking a powerful full-circle moment for the series. Emily and June walking side by side as free women symbolized both survival and sisterhood.

“Being back on set, but in the context of freedom, felt surreal,” Bledel said. “It reminded me of how far these characters have come.”

Moss revealed that bringing Bledel back was a long-term goal that added emotional depth to the final episode.

Serena’s Transformation and Redemption

Yvonne Strahovski, who played the controversial Serena Joy, shared that her character’s final moments of remorse were deeply rooted in her dynamic with June.

“Serena’s evolution depended on June’s unwavering belief that she could change,” said Strahovski. “Without June, Serena may never have seen the harm she caused.”

A Look Ahead: The Testaments

While The Handmaid’s Tale has concluded, the story continues with The Testaments, based on Margaret Atwood’s 2019 novel. Executive producer Warren Littlefield previewed the Hulu sequel, which will center on Aunt Lydia’s role in Gilead’s reform from within.

“The next story is set four years later,” Littlefield explained. “We shift to Virginia and Maryland, with a new generation of girls raised under Aunt Lydia’s guidance.”

Moss will also executive produce the new series, continuing her influential role behind the scenes. She credits producers Bruce Miller and Littlefield for championing female leadership in storytelling.

“They gave me a seat at the table when they didn’t have to,” Moss said. “That changed everything for me.”