Chase Infiniti, the rising star of Hulu’s The Testaments, has revealed that she was once advised not to watch Margaret Atwood’s dystopian predecessor, The Handmaid’s Tale, before joining the sequel series. The disclosure came during a recent interview where Infiniti reflected on the unique pressure of stepping into a beloved, culturally resonant franchise built on themes of authoritarian control and female resistance.
Her comments shed light on the creative process behind adapting Atwood’s literary universe for television, particularly how new cast members navigate the weight of expectation when joining an established narrative. Infiniti, who plays a pivotal role in the second season of The Testaments, said the guidance was intended to preserve her authentic interpretation of the character without undue influence from the earlier series’ tone or performances.
The actress explained that showrunners encouraged her to focus solely on the source material — Atwood’s 2019 novel The Testaments — and avoid direct engagement with the Emmy-winning Handmaid’s Tale series to prevent unintentional mimicry. “They wanted me to come at it fresh,” Infiniti said, emphasizing that the directive was not a restriction but a creative safeguard. “They said, ‘Don’t watch it. Read the book. Let your instincts guide you.’”
This approach aligns with the show’s broader strategy of distinguishing The Testaments as a standalone narrative, despite its chronological and thematic ties to The Handmaid’s Tale. While both series explore the rise and fall of Gilead, The Testaments shifts focus to the inner workings of the regime through the eyes of three women: Aunt Lydia, Agnes (later known as Nicole), and Daisy. Infiniti’s character, introduced in the second season, adds a new layer to this exploration of complicity, survival, and quiet rebellion.
Industry observers have noted that such guidance is not uncommon in high-profile adaptations, particularly when source material diverges significantly from its televised predecessor. By limiting exposure to the earlier series, creators aim to foster original performances that honor the novel’s distinct voice while still resonating with fans of the franchise.
Infiniti, whose performance has drawn early praise for its emotional depth and restraint, said she initially found the request unusual but ultimately appreciated the trust placed in her judgment. “It was a leap of faith,” she admitted. “But once I started reading the book, I understood why. The world of The Testaments feels different — colder, more bureaucratic, yet somehow more intimate in its horror.”
The second season of The Testaments premiered on Hulu in April 2024 to critical acclaim, with particular attention paid to its expansion of the Gilead universe and its nuanced portrayal of institutional power. Infiniti’s role has been highlighted as a key component in the season’s exploration of how individuals navigate moral compromise under totalitarian rule.
As discussions continue about the future of the Handmaid’s Tale franchise, Infiniti’s experience underscores the delicate balance between homage and innovation in adapting literary works for television. Her insistence on engaging with the text first — rather than the screen — reflects a growing trend among actors seeking authenticity in period and dystopian dramas.
For viewers interested in the creative decisions behind modern adaptations, Infiniti’s account offers a rare glimpse into the intentional boundaries set by showrunners to protect artistic integrity. It also raises questions about how audiences perceive continuity across interconnected narratives when each installment is encouraged to stand on its own.
Moving forward, Infiniti is expected to reprise her role in any future seasons of The Testaments, should the series be renewed. Hulu has not yet announced official plans beyond the second season, though both the network and showrunner Bruce Miller have expressed openness to continuing the story, contingent on audience reception and creative viability.
Fans of the series are encouraged to share their thoughts on the evolving Gilead narrative and the performances shaping its next chapter. Your insights help foster meaningful conversations about the stories we watch and why they matter.
