Hulu has just dropped the first trailer for the highly anticipated return of The Handmaid’s Tale, topping off a week that saw the show win multiple awards at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards.
The new clip for the dystopian drama, based on the classic Margaret Atwood novel, features the ominous vocals of a Buffalo Springfield cover as it gives a glimpse of life outside the confines of Gilead.
Along with the haunting teaser Hulu announced that season two will premiere April 25.
Coming soon: The Handmaid’s Tale starring Elisabeth Moss is returning for season two on April 25 and Hulu released the first trailer Sunday
Bleak: Fans will get to see life outside the confines of Gilead in the next installment
Elisabeth Moss, Joseph Fiennes, Yvonne Strahovski, Samira Wiley, Alexis Bledel, Ann Dowd, Max Minghella and Madeline Brewer all return for the second installment.
The trailer consists of a montage of images, some showing bleak landscapes, riders on horseback and people out working in the fields.
Some frames appear to be flashbacks to the past, with June aka Offred (played by Moss) seen with her husband Luke and their daughter.
Another fleeting moment appears to show Offred reunited with love interest Nick (Max Minghella).
Haunting: The new clip for the dystopian drama, based on the classic Margaret Atwood novel, features the ominous vocals of a Buffalo Springfield cover and images of bleak landscapes
Joseph Fiennes, Yvonne Strahovski, Samira Wiley, Alexis Bledel, Ann Dowd, Max Minghella and Madeline Brewer all return for the second installment
Creepy: Some handmaids are seen gathering in a circular pattern but no clues as to what’s going on
Creator Bruce Miller recently revealed the season season will continue to explore the lives of the refugees who’ve escaped Gilead
Ahead of Sunday’s Television Critics Association panel, it was revealed that the 13-episode season will be focused and shaped by the pregnancy of Offred and her fight to free her daughter from the horrors of Gilead.
Earlier this week showrunner Bruce Miller gave fans their first glimpse into season two with a couple of striking images
Season two will be uncharted territory even for avid fans of the book; however the 78-year-old author will serve as consulting producer, just like she was for the first.
‘The biggest barrier of season 2 was season 1,’ Miller told Entertainment Weekly.
Together again? The clip hints at Offred reuniting with Nick (Max Minghella)
Happier times: Much like the first season it appears there will still be flashbacks to Offred’s past
Ominous: The trailer is a montage of moments making it difficult to tell where June aka Offred is and whether it’s past or present
Horrifying: One of the stark images shows what appears to be an execution
‘You sort of intimidate yourself. But at a certain point, you can’t spend all your time second-guessing things. Instead, you just have to remember to try and tell a good story.’
Miller confirmed that he an Atwood began discussing the shape of season two halfway through season one.
He was reluctant to share too much detail, but insisted he wasn’t just ‘being cagey’: ‘I just want the viewers to experience it for themselves!’ he added.
He did reveal to Entertainment Weekly the next season will explore the lives of the refugees who’ve escaped Gilead, as well as those who have been exiled to the contaminated Colonies.
Lots to discuss! Moss, 35, is pictured at the TCA panel in Los Angeles for the show on Sunday
The actress is pictured with creator Bruce Miller and executive producer Warren Littlefield
One of the sneak peek pictures shows the funeral of one of the handmaids, a scene Miller is particularly proud of.
‘Everything from the design of their costumes to the way they look is so chilling,’ he said. These scenes that are so beautiful, while set in such a terrible place, provide the kind of contrast that makes me happy.’
He is equally happy about his leading lady, who picked up two best actress gongs in the past week for her work on the show.
‘Lizzie is such an incredible partner on this with me. Sometimes while writing the scripts, I just really wanted to surprise her,’ he said. ‘She’s even better in season two, if you can believe it.’
Season two will premiere with two episodes on Hulu on April 25 and will follow with new ones every Wednesday.
Sneak peek: Showrunner Bruce Miller gave a first peek into season two earlier this week
Grim: The dystopian show is an adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s acclaimed 1985 novel, which ends as the first season did
Looking ahead: Miller confirmed that he an Atwood began discussing the shape of season two halfway through season one