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

      The Testaments, Hulu's new dystopian drama inspired by Margaret Atwood's novel, not only seeks to fill the void left by the series finale of The Handmaid's Tale from last May, but it also showcases some talented young actors who deserve your attention. Set in a near future following the events of its Emmy-award-winning predecessor, The Testaments unfolds in an elite all-girls prep school in America under Gilead's control, where its teenage students are trained to be the perfect submissive wives. When Agnes (Chase Infiniti), the daughter of a wealthy commander, is tasked with mentoring Daisy (Lucy Halliday), a Pearl Girl (a newcomer from the outside world), they develop a connection that will alter their lives and challenge the oppressive regime forever. Although Infiniti is already an established name thanks to her stellar performance during the award season for her breakout role in One Battle After Another, Halliday is making her debut in the U.S. and delivering an Emmy-worthy performance herself. The Scottish actress, who won a BAFTA for her role in the 2022 queer drama Blue Jean, had been unknowingly preparing for the role of Daisy since childhood, having grown up outside Glasgow as a devoted reader of Atwood's works. When the opportunity arose, she desired the role more than anything. It was a dream role that allowed her to portray two characters: the free-spirited, rebellious Daisy from Toronto and the reserved, devout Daisy in Gilead. Halliday embraced this challenge, adding depth to the young girl's dual identity and creating a dynamic rapport with Infiniti.

      It’s not just Halliday's on-screen performance that has us considering her a rising star; her recent looks during the show's press tour highlight her as a budding fashion icon as well. From a stunning golden Elie Saab gown at the Series Mania opening ceremony in France, to an array of lace and pastel ensembles during the European leg of the tour, and finally a Pearl Girl-inspired Vivienne Westwood piece for the L.A. premiere, she’s definitely one to watch as she makes her mark. With our eyes on Halliday, we spoke with the actress ahead of the show's premiere on April 8 to discuss her U.S. debut, the valuable advice she received from Infiniti, her affinity for bold fashion choices, and her hopes for what young women might take away from The Testaments.

      Congratulations on the show—it's outstanding! How familiar were you with The Handmaid's Tale and The Testaments before joining the series? I grew up as a huge fan of Margaret Atwood and have read all her works. I was very familiar with her writing and remember when The Testaments was released; a friend brought it to school, and we discussed it. Like many others, I encountered The Handmaid's Tale in school. I had watched the show and recognized its significant impact. I was already in love with Margaret Atwood before I got involved in this project, which made the experience even more exciting.

      As a Pearl Girl, Daisy has a unique perspective after being raised outside of Gilead. What aspects of this character intrigued you the most? The main part that stood out to me was her duality. Getting to play two distinct characters was an exciting opportunity. With her background, especially in Gilead—a world where everyone is devout and presented perfectly—Daisy's contrasting rebellious and sarcastic side was incredibly enjoyable to portray. That was what immediately drew me in, and I spent much of the filming figuring out how to balance her duality. Even when she’s in Gilead, I wanted her authentic self to shine through. We don’t change who we are just because we’re in a new setting or with new people. Maintaining that connection to her roots was significant to me, so I found creative ways to showcase who she truly is. I collaborated often with Bruce to explore how to keep Daisy intact during her transformation. What appealed to me about her was her fire, her ambition, and her humor. Some of the lines amazed me, particularly in her voiceovers. Daisy is a fantastic character, and it's a privilege to portray her. I was a fan when I first read the book, so bringing her to life is nerve-racking because I don’t want to disappoint my younger self's view of her.

      You mentioned Daisy’s two distinct lives, as a Toronto teenager and as a Pearl Girl in Gilead. How did you manage to portray both sides? I actually created a playlist for her character. The songs varied based on her setting and the storyline. Looking back after filming, it’s fascinating to see how diverse her journey was through music. Music plays a key role in my process; for every character I've portrayed, I’ve created a playlist. I add any song that captures the essence of the character. On my drive to set, I would listen to those songs to get into character.

      Costume also played a vital role in establishing Daisy