Hulu is expanding The Handmaid’s Tale universe with its The Testaments spinoff — but who makes up the cast?

The Handmaid’s Tale universe was brought to life when Hulu adapted Margaret Atwood‘s 1985 novel of the same name in 2017. Atwood’s dystopian universe followed a future where low fertility rates have led women to be assigned to men for bearing children. Elisabeth Moss, Yvonne Strahovski, Madeline Brewer, Dowd, O-T Fagbenle, Max Minghella, Samira Wiley and Amanda Brugel have led the cast since the show premiered in 2017.

After The Handmaid’s Tale‘s final season was announced in 2022, creator Bruce Miller stepped down as showrunner to work on The Testaments as executive producers Eric Tuchman and Yahlin Chang took over the day-to-day duties on the flagship drama.

“We are making The Testaments, and it’s not going to track precisely,” Miller told TVLine at the time. “Margaret writes these absolutely deliciously specific characters. We had to go away from that in Handmaid’s, and we’re going to have to go away from that in Testaments. Testaments is certainly going to be a sequel to the show.”

Related: Chase Infiniti Says ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ Spinoff Has a ‘Beautiful Darkness’

Hulu Hulu’s highly anticipated The Handmaid’s Tale spinoff The Testaments is in the works — but what is there to know about the show so far? Margaret Atwood’s dystopian universe was initially brought to life with The Handmaid’s Tale, which is based on the novel of the same name about a future where low fertility […]

Set 15 years later, The Testaments is narrated by Aunt Lydia as viewers are thrust back into the dystopian future with new characters such as Agnes from Gilead and Daisy from Canada as they secretly gather and smuggle incriminating information about Gilead’s regime out of the country. Agnes and Daisy pose as “Pearl Girls” to infiltrate Canada, while Aunt Lydia acts as a covert source within Gilead.

“Although I could not continue with the story of Offred, I could continue with three other people concerned in these events and tell the story of the beginning of the end, because we know from The Handmaid’s Tale that Gilead vanishes,” Atwood told journalists at an event in 2019. “It’s no longer present 200 years into the future, because they’re having a symposium on it. How did it collapse? How do these kinds of regimes disappear? I was interested in exploring that.”

She continued: “There [are] some new costume choices in this book. Human beings throughout time love outfits that tell you who you’re looking at, like football teams and things like that. So yes, we have some new outfits.”

Atwood said she kept Miller updated on her plans as The Handmaid’s Tale was coming to an end.

“I read the scripts; I make notes on them,” she added. “I have influence but no actual power. But luckily we’re in accord most of the time.”

Keep scrolling to meet The Testaments cast — and get a breakdown of who they play:

Ann Dowd

After playing Aunt Lydia in the OG series, Dowd is returning as a key player in orchestrating Gilead’s downfall from the inside.

Chase Infiniti

June’s daughter, Agnes, was raised in Gilead and formerly known as Hannah before taking part in the resistance.

Lucy Halliday

The character Daisy is described as a Canadian teenager whose life is upended as she becomes a crucial part of taking down Gilead.

Rowan Blanchard

The Girl Meets World alum plays Shunammite a.k.a a pampered, prominent Gilead girl whose story intersects with Agnes and Daisy’s.

Mattea Conforti

Becka’s character description teases “a kind but shy girl from a lower-class background who becomes a Supplicant and ally.”

Mabel Li

Aunt Vidala is a “powerful, fundamentalist Aunt who vies for authority,” according to the show’s breakdown of the character.

Amy Seimetz

Agnes’ harsh stepmother is named Paula and will be explored on screen.

With just eight tightly wound episodes, Netflix’s Bloodhounds is a phenomenal work of pathos-riddled suspense and an especially interesting Korean drama to emerge from the country’s massively successful Netflix partnership. K-Dramas produced by Netflix, rather than the ones aired on local networks and globally distributed by Netflix, tend to take full advantage of the greater creative freedom the streaming giant affords — a.k.a more violence, more sex, and more graphic material in general, whether visual or thematic. That blood-soaked sensibility feels especially relevant now, with Bloodhounds Season 2 premiering April 3 on Netflix.

As a thriller, Bloodhounds slots neatly in alongside other suspenseful Netflix-backed crime dramas like My Name, The Glory, and Little Women. It deals with unrelentingly dark subjects as harshly as if it dumped itself in a vat of blood, and doesn’t flinch away from said themes or harsh violence. Yet Bloodhounds strikes a magnificent, fascinating balance between the calcified violent imagery common to Netflix K-Dramas and the triumphant character-based optimism of Korea’s more traditional broadcast series.

What Is ‘Bloodhounds’ About?

Korean media frequently examines the flaws of their country’s socioeconomic systems with particular emphasis on how these structures negatively and inordinately affect those of lesser economic status and social class (which includes ostracized gender identities and sexual orientations). Dramas address these notions across all genres: revenge, thriller, romantic drama, and rom-coms alike. A popular joke among K-Drama fans is how a supposedly light-hearted series always has a heartbreakingly dark reveal up its sleeve.

Bloodhounds almost relishes its deconstruction of capitalism and the need for redemptive action, except nothing can be viewed as emotional trauma porn; it’s mere honesty. Starring Woo Do-hwan and Lee Sang-yi, the series follows Kim Geon-woo (Woo) and Hong Woo-jin (Lee), two aspiring young boxers. The COVID-19 pandemic has shattered their career hopes and financially compromised countless small business owners, including Geon-woo’s mother, Yoon So-yeon (Yoon Yoo-sun). When powerful loan sharks operating under the guise of the Smile Capital company take advantage of So-yeon’s financial destitution by tricking her into an unfair contract, then destroying her shop and threatening her when she fails to deliver money she can’t possibly earn, Geon-woo and Woo-jin choose to fight this threat rather than flee. The problem lies in how Smile Capital’s CEO, Kim Myeong-gil (Park Sung-woong), is a sadistic criminal with a limitless capacity for cruelty.

Geon-woo and Woo-jin Are the Best Part of ‘Bloodhounds’

Image via Netflix

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In Bloodhounds’ world, COVID-19 opened up a new avenue of exploitation. The impossibly rich Myeong-gil’s malice is so immense that he’s forced many of his victims to take their own lives if he doesn’t execute them himself. His company’s greed extends to stealing homeless individuals’ IDs. Nothing is beneath him. Set against this are Geon-woo and Woo-jin, also known as the goodest-good-boys of all time. Geon-woo adores his mother and is a natural protector of the defenseless. He’s a young man so unassuming and genuine that he believes any situation can be bested “with a good heart,” something he promises he “always” possesses no matter the circumstances. He also believes no one is beyond redemption if they truly try; what matters in life is finding your way back from corruption.

Meanwhile, Woo-jin is the human incarnation of an excited, adoring puppy, responsible for most of the show’s comedic relief until he’s suddenly the bleeding heart, and viewers are sobbing in fear over his fate. The pair’s amiable and unplanned friendship becomes an unbreakable bond forged in the fire of Myeong-gil’s persecution. They draw strength from one another and survive only thanks to the actual power of friendship. This is a love story, and they love unreservedly.

‘Bloodhounds’ Blends Optimism With Harsh Reality

Image via Netflix

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At its thematic heart, Bloodhounds isn’t a story about boxing. Much like Rocky focuses more on the characters than the sport, it’s concerned with the “heart of a boxer” and how that equals the heart of a tirelessly earnest person. Geon-woo and Woo-jin are soon joined by Cha Hyun-joo (Kim Sae-ron), the adopted granddaughter of former loan executive Choi Tae-ho (Huh Joon-ho). The brothers-in-blood become a trio who fight against corruption first because life demands it, then by choice. They share the same sincerity and moral conviction: good people like them battle against horrible institutions because that’s the honorable thing to do. They become protectors and remain as much even when their mentor figures (Choi Tae-ho and his employees) are reformed criminals trying to atone for the harm they once caused. (Sadly but appropriately, Tae-ho’s past actions are what created and empowered Myeong-gil, a devil he has no choice but to eliminate.)

That earnestness doesn’t come with rose-colored glasses, which is where Bloodhounds’ brutality emerges. No character is safe; Episode 6 in particular will make you want to sue for emotional damages. Love powers our characters and saves the day in all technicalities, but not everyone magically survives. As Geon-woo and Woo-jin find themselves more ensnared in the loan industry underworld, endure more violence, and watch more people they love being slaughtered by the seemingly unstoppable Myeong-gil, the protagonists inflict greater violence in the name of justice.

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As such, Bloodhounds examines how fighting a system as warped and massive as capitalism leaves little room for keeping one’s hands morally clean. It’s punch-the-air satisfying to watch Geon-woo and Woo-jin have a power-up training montage before knocking their enemies’ lights out. Yet for all their momentary triumph, there’s the regret of the aftermath. They don’t become the monster to destroy the monster, but they dance inside its cage and emerge with scars. Hard-won survival doesn’t have easy exemptions for those with good hearts. Bloodhounds is optimism at a cost.

‘Bloodhounds’ Is One of Netflix’s Best New K-Dramas

The series also offers reluctant group hugs (the grumpy versus sunshine dynamic!), enduring friendships, and remarkable fight scenes. Bloodhounds’ choreography taps into boxing’s grace and dynamic ferocity. It’s a visually interesting change to watch its techniques applied to a massive two-against-30 fight scene. The seamlessly charismatic Woo Do-hwan of My Country: The New Age and Joseon Attorney pours his heart into a performance that burns onto one’s retinas. Lee Sang-yi of Once Again and Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (and the music group MSG Wannabe) finally gets the leading man the focus his skill warrants, and, to use a different sports metaphor, scores an effortless touchdown.

Bloodhounds isn’t what you expect in the most satisfying ways. The series might not necessarily tell an original thematic story, but it’s an easy binge that’s incredibly well executed, and it was easily one of the streamer’s best releases.

Bloodhounds is available to stream on Netflix in the U.S. with Season 2 premiering next month.

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Bloodhounds

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Release Date

June 9, 2023

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Netflix

Directors

Jason Kim

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Writers

Jason Kim

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  Heo Joon-ho

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  President Choi

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  Park Sung-woong

  Kim Myeong-gil

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Jennifer Lopez Is Putting In 13-Hour Rehearsal Days In Preparation For Her Vegas Show

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Hailey Bieber
These Luscious Lips Don’t Lie … I’m Freaking Hot!!!

Published
March 6, 2026
5:58 PM PST

FX’s Love Story brings John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette‘s tragic romance to life — but how does the cast compare to their real-life counterparts?

Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, which premiered Thursday, February 12, is a limited series that explores the “undeniable chemistry, whirlwind courtship and high-profile marriage of one of the most iconic couples of the 20th century,” according to the synopsis.

The FX series is the first installment in Ryan Murphy’s Love Story anthology and is inspired by Elizabeth Beller’s book Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Sarah Pidgeon plays Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, while Paul Kelly portrays John F. Kennedy Jr.

“It was a love story that captured the attention of the nation: John F. Kennedy Jr. was the closest thing to American royalty. The country watched him grow from a boy to a beloved bachelor and media sensation. Bessette was a star in her own right,” the synopsis continues.

In real life, JFK Jr. and Bessette met in the early 1990s and got married in 1996. They died three years later in 1999 in a plane crash off the coast of Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.

While speaking with Variety in September 2024, executive producer Brad Simpson said, “It is a story that really resonates right now. It’s amazing. A lot of younger women are looking to her as sort of a representational icon of a certain period of time that’s really fascinating, and hopefully, we’ll be able to bring that to the screen soon.”

Keep scrolling to see the difference between the Kennedy family and the Love Story cast:

The Knowles family drama is heating up again, and social media is buzzing. A viral moment between Tina Knowles and her ex-husband Mathew Knowles had fans side-eyeing after he questioned Tina’s role in Destiny’s Child. But recently, the matriarch responded with a subtle but clear reminder of just how much she shaped the iconic girl group’s legendary style.

RELATED: Not Shade? Mathew Knowles Clarifies Stunning Response He Gave When Asked About Tina Knowles’ Contributions To Destiny’s Child

Tina Knowles Reminds Everyone Of Her Legendary Contributions

Tina Knowles isn’t letting anyone rewrite history. After Mathew Knowles seemingly questioned her role in shaping Destiny’s Child during a PIX11 interview—walking off after the anchor praised both of them for their “work” behind the iconic girl group—Tina subtly but firmly clapped back. On Thursday, Tina reposted a throwback documentary clip showcasing her early hustle, from shaping the girl group’s hairstyles to designing their costumes. The video also highlighted her creating original outfits when high-end fashion houses wouldn’t collaborate. Furthermore, this served as a clear reminder of her lasting impact on Destiny’s Child’s legacy.

Tina’s Classy Clap Back Has Fans Talking

Fans immediately flooded The Shade Room Instagram comments to weigh in. Some pointed out that Tina literally gave birth to Beyoncé, arguing that alone was enough contribution to Destiny’s Child, while others acknowledged that Mathew did handle much of the behind-the-scenes work. A few more chimed in, impressed by Tina’s subtle yet classy clap back, praising her for letting her legacy speak for itself.

One Instagram user @stefflondon said, “HELLO……SHE MADE “BEYONCE” JOB DONE!“

This Instagram user @tanaye_h added, “THEE MS. TINA❤️❤️🖤🖤🤎🤎”

And, Instagram user @itsalwaysapleasure_ wrote, “😂😂😂😂😂😂😂… Matthew did all the behind the scenes work. STOP PLAYING WITH UNC🤦🏻‍♀️😒“

Then Instagram user @thebadpapi commented, “& don’t EVER ask again “what work did she put in?” ——— this work.“

While Instagram user @wendys_classy_home_design_ added, “And this is how you respond. The nerve of that man…“

Lastly, Instagram user @2wnty20 said, “.. yall keep saying “she made Beyonce”… like he didnt also 😂😂😭😭”

“It Was Misrepresented”: Mathew Defends Previous Comments About Tina

As previously reported, Mathew Knowles addressed the viral PIX11 clip that had the internet buzzing, insisting he doesn’t “do interviews” — he has “conversations.” Mathew claimed his now-famous question, “What work did she put in?” was simply meant to clarify Tina’s contributions to Destiny’s Child, not diminish them.

He expressed bafflement at the backlash, saying, “You can’t even find a negative comment I’ve ever said about Tina… People try to bait us all the time.” Mathew also defended his relationship with Tina Knowles, stressing that he always refers to her as his “former wife” out of respect, never as an ex, and hinted he’s “evaluating all legal remedies” over what he called a misrepresentation of his words.

RELATED: Mathew Knowles Explains Why He Ended Interview After Being Told Tina Knowles Contributed To Success Of Destiny’s Child (VIDEO)

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By Joshua Tyler
| Updated 19 seconds ago

The Hollywood monopoly unveiled its first trailer for Lanterns, the upcoming HBO Max series about the Green Lantern, Hal Jordan, and his apprentice, John Stewart. The trailer, which I’ll embed at the bottom of this article, looks mostly like a new season of True Detective, not like a superhero show. In addition to scenes of driving around in a car, there is a brief shot of the Green Lantern’s costume, which looks like a bunch of football pads sewn together, dyed pea green, and then run over a few times with that same car.

If you’re at all familiar with Green Lantern, as a superhero, then you know it’s sort of a sci-fi spacey property about a guy who can make anything he wants out of his green ring. It’s not a dusty comic about an old guy driving around back roads in a car.

But if you’re a fan of a major, geek-centric media property, then you’re probably used to disappointment. Hollywood seems to have made it their mission to destroy everything nerds once loved, from Star Wars to Marvel to Star Trek. Most have assumed it’s been happening due to incompetence, but the truth may be something far, far worse. 

That truth is this: Hollywood views geeks as pay pigs, and they’re being farmed. 

A pay pig is a slang term for a person who repeatedly gives money, gifts, or financial support to someone who views them with open contempt or indifference. The payer is seen not as a valued supporter but as a gullible source of easy income, tolerated only as long as the payments continue.

Damon Lindelof Reveals What He Really Thinks Of Green Lantern

Damon Lindelof, who is responsible for HBO’s Lanterns and many of the biggest geek properties that have been ruined and are currently being ruined, recently revealed in an interview that this is how he views the people who pay his bills. Here’s the clip from Lindelof, watch what happens when he gets too comfortable and the mask drops.

This is all part of the now-decades-long Hollywood trend of making content for itself rather than its viewers. You’re viewed as pay pigs, a captive audience forced to eat their slop.  

That results in a Green Lantern show that won’t have anything green in it. It also won’t do any Green Lantern things. Instead, as explained by the trailer, the plot seems to revolve around a horrible old white man getting out of the way so a hot dude with the kind of skin color Damon Lindelof approves of can take over.

What does this have to do with a superhero comic about an organization of intergalactic guardians? Nothing. All that space stuff costs money to make and effort to coordinate. They don’t have to go to all the trouble because you’re just a pay pig, and they’ll use the Green Lantern logo. Eat your slop.

Everything’s Terrible Because You Aren’t Respected

Hollywood’s lack of respect for its audience is why every show seems to be doing musical episodes or childish drama, because the people behind them are a bunch of theater kids who enjoy doing stage plays and don’t care about, and in some cases are actively repulsed by, what the audience wants. It’s why everything pushes a political agenda that has nothing to do with the show; it’s why everything looks cheap and lazy. Modern entertainment is made for the people making it, not for you.

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It’s not incompetence. They see you as beneath them and believe they can take your money from you without putting in any effort. You’re a pay pig, and you’re being farmed. It’s a Ponzi scheme, and you’re the elderly grandma they’re ripping off.

The worst thing about it is that they aren’t wrong in their approach. Modern society is now overrun with zombified slop eaters, who will watch anything that shows up on screen with the right logo in front of it. There’s no incentive for them to respect their audience. People have been so thoroughly screenwashed that manipulating them has become easy, and they don’t have to try anymore. 

So why put in all that effort on something you don’t care about? Give the slop eaters their slop, collect your paycheck, and laugh at them on the way home. It’s easy to imagine that’s what Damon Lindelof does, and he’s not the only one.

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