Hulu's The Testaments, the compelling spinoff of the groundbreaking The Handmaid's Tale, made a strong debut in April, garnering critical praise and quickly securing a second season renewal just a month later. Now, as production for season 2 is underway, an important casting update reveals that one of its recurring actors will be stepping into the spotlight with a main cast role.
According to Deadline, Charlie Carrick, known for his portrayal of Commander Michael Judd, is officially a series regular for The Testaments season 2. Judd is a pivotal high-ranking Gilead official who, in the first season, forged a complex and often precarious alliance with Aunt Lydia Clements (Ann Lowd) to expand their influence within the oppressive theocracy. It's worth noting that the character of B. Frederick Judd from Margaret Atwood's novel is creatively split in the series, with Carrick's Judd sharing the role's narrative weight with Commander Seth Weston (Reed Diamond), who leads Gilead's secret police, the Eyes.
Carrick's resume includes feature films such as Alice, Darling and The Apprentice, alongside television roles in Reign and Hidden Assets. His promotion isn't the only new addition to the main cast; Haley Wong, primarily recognized for her theatrical work, also joins as Prudence. Prudence is described as a "dutiful and pregnant wife" determined to find joy even if it means risking everything in Gilead.
The Testaments picks up after the dramatic conclusion of The Handmaid's Tale's six-season run in 2025. The series focuses on Agnes MacKenzie (Chase Infiniti), the daughter of June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss), and Daisy (Lucy Halliday), an undercover Mayday operative. Both are students at the infamous Ardua Hall, the school where Aunt Lydia grooms elite young women for arranged marriages and instills unwavering obedience.
The first season's main ensemble featured talents like Mabel Li, Brad Alexander, Isolde Ardies, Rowan Blanchard, Mattea Conforti, Warren Darnell-Martin, Eva Foote, Kira Guloein, Shechinah Mpumlwana, Birva Pandya, and Amy Seimetz. Bruce Miller, the creative force behind The Handmaid's Tale and known for his work on Eureka and The 100, serves as showrunner for the spinoff. The Testaments season 1 spanned 10 episodes, with season 2 production kicking off last month.
Critically, The Testaments has been well-received, holding an 88% "Tomatometer" score on Rotten Tomatoes and an 83% "Popcornmeter" from audiences. Critics lauded the first season for "ably continu[ing] The Handmaid's Tale's fight through a coming-of-age lens in a slow-burning world builder that features an excellent cast of fresh talent.”
While a release date for The Testaments season 2 is yet to be announced, a 2027 premiere seems plausible. In the meantime, Chase Infiniti has earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series at the upcoming 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, set to air live on NBC and stream on Peacock on Monday, September 14 at 8 p.m. ET.