The newcomer Lucy Halliday in The Testaments knows exactly how to make an impression.

The newcomer Lucy Halliday in The Testaments knows exactly how to make an impression.

      The Testaments, Hulu's latest dystopian drama inspired by Margaret Atwood's novel, is set to fill the void left by the conclusion of The Handmaid's Tale, all while showcasing some exceptional young talent that you'll want to keep an eye on. The story takes place in a near-future version of America under Gilead's rule, focusing on an elite all-girls preparatory school where students are trained solely to become ideal 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), their friendship ultimately alters the trajectory of their lives and the oppressive regime. While Infiniti is already a well-known name following her impressive performances in One Battle After Another, Halliday is making her American debut with an Emmy-worthy portrayal. The Scottish actress, who won a BAFTA for her role in the 2022 queer drama Blue Jean, had unknowingly been preparing for Daisy since her childhood in Glasgow, having read Atwood's works. When the opportunity arose, she was eager to take on the challenge of portraying two contrasting characters: the free-spirited, rebellious Toronto Daisy and the reserved, devout Gilead Daisy. Halliday embraced this challenge, infusing depth into the character's duality and establishing a great chemistry with Infiniti.

      Halliday's on-screen presence is not the only reason she's garnering attention; her captivating style during the press tour reflects her burgeoning status as a fashion icon. She made headlines in an Elie Saab golden gown for the Series Mania opening ceremony in France, wore various lace and pastel ensembles during the European promotional tour, and donned a Pearl Girl-inspired Vivienne Westwood outfit for the premiere in Los Angeles. With Halliday in the spotlight, we spoke with the actress ahead of the show's April 8 premiere to discuss her debut, the valuable advice she received from Infiniti, her passion for standout fashion pieces, and her hopes for young women's takeaways from The Testaments.

      Congratulations on the show! It's incredible. How familiar were you with The Handmaid's Tale and The Testaments before you joined the cast? I was a huge fan of Margaret Atwood growing up and read all her books. I was very familiar with her work and distinctly 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. I had watched the show and recognized its significant impact. I was already a fan of Atwood before getting involved in this project, which made it even more thrilling when this opportunity arose.

      Daisy is a Pearl Girl, so she views the world uniquely having been raised outside of Gilead. What aspects of her character intrigued you? The most interesting part for me was her duality. Playing two characters instead of just one is always more exciting. In the Gilead world—which is all about piety and pristine appearances—getting to showcase a side that is much more rebellious and snarky was really appealing. I wanted to ensure that even in Gilead, Daisy never lost her true self, as our roots remain with us regardless of our environment. It was crucial for me to infuse her essence into every scene. I worked closely with Bruce on how to keep Daisy authentic, even when she couldn't express her full self. Daisy is fiery and funny, and I've often been surprised by her lines, especially in the voiceover; she's a fantastic character, and it feels like a privilege to portray her.

      You mentioned Daisy's distinct lives in Toronto and Gilead. How did you manage both sides of her character? I actually created a playlist to reflect both sides. The songs reflected the contrasting emotions based on the setting and story progression. It was interesting to listen to the playlist after filming to see how varied Daisy's journey was. Music played a vital role; I've always made playlists for my characters. It helps me get into the right mindset during my drives to the set.

      The costumes significantly contributed to portraying Daisy’s duality as well. In Toronto, she wore casual clothes that allowed for more freedom and expression, while in Gilead, the clothing was restrictive, both physically and in how it influenced how I moved as an actor. Daisy's appearance represents her repressed existence as a Pearl Girl, further informing my portrayal of her.

      What kind of vibe did your Daisy playlist have? It was very eclectic. I added any song that I thought captured her spirit. For instance, I began with Doja Cat for the Toronto phase, and as the story progressed, I included tracks like "Rebel Rebel" by David Bowie and "The Times They Are A-Changin'" by Bob Dylan to mark her entrance into Gilead. The music provided a nuanced layer to the character.

      Since you create character playlists, do certain songs transport you back to that character and

The newcomer Lucy Halliday in The Testaments knows exactly how to make an impression. The newcomer Lucy Halliday in The Testaments knows exactly how to make an impression. The newcomer Lucy Halliday in The Testaments knows exactly how to make an impression.

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The newcomer Lucy Halliday in The Testaments knows exactly how to make an impression.

We had a conversation with Lucy Halliday regarding her part in The Testaments, the professional guidance she received from Chase Infiniti, and her aspirations for what young women will gain from the series.