Fans of the hit Hulu series Handmade’s Tale were shocked to learn Monday that Emily, played by the iconic Alexis Bledel, would not be returning for a fifth season. Escaped handmaid Emily leaving means the show’s main protagonist June Osbourne will be down an ally.
This news comes as the show is in the middle of filming the upcoming fifth season, which is set to wrap this summer.
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Based on Marget Attwood’s 1985 “Handmaid’s Tale” novel, the Hulu series has captivated viewers since its premiere in 2017.
The futuristic dystopian series has been critically acclaimed and beloved by fans for its gritty portrayal of Gilead, formerly the United States of America, where women’s bodies are the property of the state and women are treated as basically glorified breeders.
Now, after four powerful seasons and four Emmy nominations (and one win), Alexis Bledel is bidding farewell to the series.
Known best for her role as Rory Gilmore in the beloved coming of age series Gilmore Girls and the 2016 reboot, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life , Alexis has been a key figure in Handmaid’s Tale and a loyal alley to June.
In a statement released Monday, Alexis announced her departure.
“After much thought, I felt I had to step away from The Handmaid’s Tale at this time,” the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants star said in a statement provided to USA TODAY by her representative.
“I am forever grateful to (show creator) Bruce Miller for writing such truthful and resonant scenes for Emily, and to Hulu, MGM, the cast and crew for their support,” the statement concluded.
Show creator Bruce Miller has been candid about the series’ relevance since its inception.
Speaking at a Television Critics Association panel in February, Bruce said: “Television and drama are safe places to see your worst fears acted out and kind of experience them at a remove.”
“When you come up with something horrible in your head and put it on television, and then hear something like it happening in the real world, it’s just sickening.”
“We remain unbelievably relevant,” executive producer Warren Littlefield added at the time. “And we kind of wish we weren’t.”
While there’s no word on when the fifth season will be released, I have no doubt it will be worth the wait.
We will miss you, Emily!
