If for some reason you’re not feeling depressed about the state of the world, never fear, because The Handmaid’s Tale Season 5 is just around the corner to absolutely crush that last glimmer of optimism you had.
The Handmaid’s Tale, which is based on Margaret Atwood’s book of the same title, is supposedly a dystopian work of fiction in which handmaids have no bodily autonomy, are abused, mistreated, and used as breeders.
With the overturning of Roe V. Wade in the United States, however, even Atwood herself has said that Gilead is hitting a little too close to home these days.
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In an op-ed for The Atlantic, Atwood wrote that she “stopped writing [The Handmaid’s Tale] several times, because [she] considered it too far-fetched”.
“Silly me,” she wrote. “Theocratic dictatorships do not lie only in the distant past: There are a number of them on the planet today. What is to prevent the United States from becoming one of them?”
Still, she did eventually complete the novel, which was eventually turned into a hit series starring Elisabeth Moss, and soon enough, Season 5 of the series will be hitting the air. Here’s everything we know so far.
What Will The Handmaid’s Tale Season 5 Be About?
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Season 5 of The Handmaid’s Tale will pick up exactly where Season 4 left off. The season’s official logline is as follows: “June faces consequences for killing Commander Waterford while struggling to redefine her identity and purpose. The widowed Serena attempts to raise her profile in Toronto as Gilead’s influence creeps into Canada. Commander Lawrence works with Aunt Lydia as he tries to reform Gilead and rise in power. June, Luke and Moira fight Gilead from a distance as they continue their mission to save and reunite with Hannah.”
Who Is Starring in The Handmaid’s Tale Season 5?
Would it be The Handmaid’s Tale without Elisabeth Moss? Thankfully, it’s not a question we have to ponder, because Moss is set to reprise her role as June.
Also starring in Season 5 are Bradley Whitford, Yvonne Strahovski, Max Minghella, O-T Fagbenle, Samira Wiley, Madeline Brewer, Amanda Brugel, Ann Dowd and Sam Jaeger.
Why Is Alexis Bledel Not Returning to The Handmaid’s Tale Season 5?
On the other hand, not returning for Season 5 of the acclaimed series is Alexis Bledel, who has played Emily/Ofglen since the show premiered in 2017. In a statement to Variety in late May 2022, she said:
“After much thought, I felt I had to step away from The Handmaid’s Tale at this time. I am forever grateful to Bruce Miller for writing such truthful and resonant scenes for Emily, and to Hulu, MGM, the cast and crew for their support.”
At this time, Bledel has given no further indication of what prompted her hasty exit from the series.
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Is There a Trailer for The Handmaid’s Tale Season 5?
There is, and you can watch it right here.
When Is The Handmaid’s Tale Season 5 Premiering?
The Handmaid’s Tale Season 5 will premiere on on Thursday, September 15.
Where Can I Watch The Handmaid’s Tale Season 5?
As with previous seasons of The Handmaid’s Tale, Season 5 will be fast-tracked to Australia by SBS. It will be available to watch on SBS and SBS On Demand.
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