It wasn’t my thought to have [Holly] come again, however there was a leaning into that, or an exploration of that story, that turned very distinguished. It was my thought to ensure she got here again [in person], as a result of it was speculated to be a cellphone in episode 10 [where they reconnect].
For me, this season is about motherhood in every kind of the way—the motherhood that Aunt Lydia offers to her women, the generosity of arranging for Naomi to offer Charlotte again to Janine. Naomi turns into a mom when she [does that]. There are so many alternative methods that you would be able to be a dad or mum, or a parental determine, or a mom determine.
It was an attention-grabbing option to make Ann Dowd’s Aunt Lydia sympathetic ultimately. Though I assume that was vital, contemplating the storyline of The Testaments.
Yes. Margaret wrote The Testaments, and there have been a few issues in that sequel that we then must observe. One of them is Hannah not getting out, and the opposite is that this flip for Lydia. Now, I’ll say that Margaret wrote it after we began filming [the first season], and I do know Lydia may be very merciless, and there’s quite a bit to not forgive. But I do assume there are parts of Ann’s efficiency at first of this present that enables for the opportunity of making that flip. Any good actor will ship a multidimensional efficiency, and any good actor will just be sure you see either side of one thing. Like Yvonne [Strahovski] has too.
And you’re engaged on The Testaments, sure?
Yes. I’m an govt producer—been producing it from the start. But somewhat factor referred to as The Handmaid’s Tale received in the best way.
Right. Not solely did you produce this present and star in it, however you additionally directed the primary two and the final two episodes of this season—all whereas being a brand new mother. Why?
[Laughs] That’s a query from a brand new mother, that’s for positive! Out of the entire interviews I’ve accomplished for months and months and months now, you’re the primary particular person to ask why. So I admire that. Thank you.
Going again [to work] at three months [postpartum] was not straightforward. But how do I put this? There was no approach I used to be going to cease any of these paths, actually. And all of them occurred on the identical time. This present isn’t a job for me—it’s been my life for the previous 9 years. I had this chance to direct, and be a large a part of it another way than producing or appearing. Directing is simply totally different than the rest. And I used to be fortunate sufficient to be requested to do it. I knew I’d remorse it if I stated no.
Absolutely no a part of me goes to say it was straightforward, although in fact I may also say I come from a really privileged place of getting loads of assist—there are ladies who do much more with quite a bit much less, and I’m in awe of these ladies. But that stated, it wasn’t a stroll within the park. Part of my thought course of was that in a approach, it’s very meta of the present. And this remaining season may be very meta, and the final episode may be very meta. June has to choose to do one thing that she appears like is the very best factor for her kids. And in a small approach, I hope at some point my daughter watches, and I hope that she’s proud [of me]. Like, “Look what my mom did when I was just a few months old.” I hope that it’s an instance for her of the ability of womanhood, and of being a working mother and the way unbelievable that’s. Looking again, I’m like, Wow, I can’t imagine I did that. But I’m glad I did. I’ve no regrets.