Charles joins final season of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale,’ reuniting with Elisabeth Moss.
Josh Charles is set to join the cast of Hulu’s hit series “The Handmaid’s Tale” for its much-anticipated sixth and final season.
The Emmy-nominated actor, 52, is slated to become a series regular as the show gears up to enter production later this year, with a premiere date set for 2025.
While specific details about Charles’ character are still under wraps, his addition to the ensemble marks a notable reunion with Elisabeth Moss. The two previously starred together in the FX on Hulu spy thriller “The Veil.”
“The Handmaid’s Tale,” adapted from Margaret Atwood’s acclaimed 1985 novel, is set in a dystopian future where a totalitarian regime forces fertile women, known as Handmaids, to bear children for the ruling class.
The show has been lauded for its chilling portrayal of a society stripped of women’s rights and autonomy, drawing unsettling parallels to contemporary issues.
Charles joins an already impressive lineup of actors, including Elisabeth Moss, Yvonne Strahovski, Bradley Whitford, Max Minghella, Ann Dowd, O.T. Fagbenle, Samira Wiley, Madeline Brewer, Amanda Brugel, Sam Jaeger, and Ever Carradine.
Ahead of the season 5 premiere in September 2022, series creator, showrunner, and executive producer Bruce Miller announced the renewal for a sixth and final season.
“It has been a true honor to tell the story of Margaret Atwood’s groundbreaking novel and chillingly relevant world, and we are thrilled to bring viewers a sixth and final season of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale,'” Miller said.
“We are grateful to Hulu and MGM for allowing us to tell this story, which unfortunately has remained as relevant as ever throughout its run. We are in awe of our incredible fans for their unwavering support, without whom we never would have gotten to this point.”
Moss, 41, who will direct four episodes of the upcoming season, including the series finale, spoke to PEOPLE in November 2022 about the show’s growing relevance.
“It’s horrifying how, since the show premiered, its story has only become more relevant,” she said. “It’s awful. It’s way more than troubling.”
In a conversation with TVLine in May, Moss teased the final season as “pretty wild,” promising a thrilling conclusion to the series.
“It definitely has final-season energy. It’s big and wild, and goes to many different places, and it is very, very surprising all the way through,” she remarked.
“The Handmaid’s Tale” has consistently resonated with viewers and critics alike, thanks to its timely social commentary and powerful performances.
Moss’s portrayal of June Osborne has been particularly lauded, earning her several awards and nominations.
The series has also sparked significant conversations about women’s rights and bodily autonomy, mirroring real-world debates and legislative battles.
The show’s success is reflected in its numerous accolades, including eight Primetime Emmy Awards. It has also maintained a dedicated fan base, eagerly anticipating each season’s release.
This fervor is expected to carry into the final season, as fans look forward to seeing how the story concludes.
Produced by MGM Television, “The Handmaid’s Tale” is executive produced by Bruce Miller, Warren Littlefield, Eric Tuchman, Yahlin Chang, Elisabeth Moss, Steve Stark, Kim Todd, John Weber, Sheila Hockin, Frank Siracusa, Daniel Wilson, and Fran Sears.
