The Testaments newcomer Lucy Halliday understands perfectly how to make an impact.

      The Testaments, Hulu's latest dystopian drama inspired by Margaret Atwood's novel, will not only help fill the void left in your heart from last May's series finale of The Handmaid's Tale, but it also showcases some outstanding young actors you’ll want to keep an eye on. Set in a near-future America controlled by Gilead, the story takes place in an elite, all-girls preparatory school where students are trained to become ideal submissive wives. When Agnes (Chase Infiniti), the affluent commander's daughter, is tasked with mentoring Daisy (Lucy Halliday), a Pearl Girl recruited from the outside world, their relationship evolves in ways that will alter their lives and the oppressive regime permanently. While Infiniti isn't a newcomer thanks to her remarkable award-season success for her role in One Battle After Another, Halliday makes her U.S. debut with what could be an Emmy-worthy performance. The Scottish actress, a BAFTA winner for her role in the 2022 queer drama Blue Jean, had unknowingly been preparing for Daisy's role since childhood, having grown up near Glasgow as a devoted reader of Atwood. When the opportunity arose, she was eager to take it on. With the chance to portray two different characters—free-spirited, rebellious Daisy from Toronto and the reserved, devout Daisy from Gilead—Halliday embraced the challenge, adding depth to the character's duality and establishing a compelling chemistry with Infiniti.

      But it's not just Halliday's on-screen performance that makes her one to watch; her recent outfits during the show's promotional tour indicate she's also emerging as a fashion icon. Highlights include a stunning golden Elie Saab gown for the Series Mania opening ceremony in France, a collection of lace and pastel ensembles during the European leg of the tour, and a Pearl Girl-inspired Vivienne Westwood look for the L.A. premiere. With a keen eye on Halliday, we spoke with her ahead of the April 8 premiere to discuss her U.S. debut, the invaluable career lessons from Infiniti, her passion for statement fashion pieces, and her hopes for what young women might take away from The Testaments.

      Congratulations on the show! It's incredible. How familiar were you with The Handmaid's Tale and The Testaments before joining the cast? I was a big fan of Margaret Atwood while growing up and read all her works. I remember when The Testaments was released; a friend brought it to school, and we discussed it. Like many others, I studied The Handmaid's Tale in school and watched the series, recognizing its monumental impact. I was already a devoted admirer of Margaret Atwood before I had the chance to get involved in this project, which made it even more thrilling.

      Daisy is a Pearl Girl with a unique perspective, having grown up outside Gilead before stepping into that world. What aspects of this character intrigued you? The most compelling aspect was her duality. Getting to portray two characters is exhilarating. In Gilead, where everyone appears very pious and well-presented, having a side that is a stark contrast—much more sassy and bold—is incredibly enjoyable. That element is what initially drew me in, and I continuously worked to find a balance with her duality throughout filming. Even in Gilead, I wanted Daisy not to lose her true self because we don't change just because of a new environment or new people; our roots remain. That was important for me, so I tried to incorporate that into her portrayal, working closely with Bruce to maintain her essence even when she couldn't fully express it. Daisy is fiery and driven; she's also genuinely funny, with many standout lines, particularly in voice-over. She's a fantastic character, and playing her is a true privilege, especially as I was a fan when I read the book. I felt the pressure to do justice to how I viewed her.

      You mention the two distinct sides of Daisy—her life as a Toronto teen and as a Pearl Girl in Gilead. How did you manage both aspects? I created a playlist for Daisy that, while not divided, featured different songs reflecting the contrast between her locations and the story's progression. It was enlightening to go back and analyze Daisy's journey through the diverse music. Music always plays a crucial role in my character preparation; I find songs that capture their essence and listen to them daily while driving to get into character. The costumes also significantly influenced my portrayal of Daisy's duality. In Toronto, her clothing is casual and expressive, while in Gilead, it feels restrictive, affecting how I moved and expressed myself physically. Daisy's pristine portrayal, as a Pearl Girl, devoid of any external defining traits, added a lot to draw from.

      How would you describe the vibe of the Daisy playlist? It's exceptionally diverse. If a song captured her spirit, it made the cut. It started with “Doja Cat” for Toronto and evolved throughout filming. I included