Margaret Atwood, the renowned Canadian author behind The Handmaid’s Tale, saw her 1985 novel gain renewed fame after being adapted into a Hulu series starring Elisabeth Moss. While Hollywood welcomed Atwood with Emmys and Golden Globes, she remained detached from the show’s creative process—despite making a brief cameo in the pilot. The TV adaptation revived interest in the book and led Atwood to publish a sequel, The Testaments, in 2019

She’s pleased with the TV series—mostly

twood generously praises the Hulu adaptation, noting it stays true to the novel’s core premises and features strong performances . She told the Hay Literary Festival in Wales that although she has no creative authority over the show—rights were sold decades ago—she thinks the creators have done “a tippety‑top job” balancing fidelity to the story with necessary television adjustments.

Creative tweaks are expected—and okay

While some purists critiqued deviations from the book, Atwood reminded audiences that television inherently requires flexibility (e.g., the main character can’t be killed off or escape too soon). She emphasized that, legally, she couldn’t overrule the showrunners even if she had wanted to.

A sequel means new creative input

With The Testaments, Atwood now has more influence. She’s provided the show’s writers with character ideas and plot material—though she won’t be in the writers’ room. How closely Hulu weaves elements of her sequel into upcoming seasons remains to be seen.

Fans can take it or leave it

When met with criticism from readers of The Testaments, Atwood offered a simple reply: if you don’t like the book, “you can close the covers” .

Atwood celebrates how the iconic red handmaid costume has been embraced by protestors—calling it “brilliant.” Its silent yet powerful presence at rallies makes a strong statement . She even teased that The Testaments introduces new wardrobe choices—like green robes—with symbolic intent.

Fans’ passion is heartwarming—and sometimes quirky

Atwood acknowledges her fans’ devotion—from standing in line for The Testaments to creative tributes like themed cupcakes and even Kylie Jenner’s Handmaid-inspired party. Though she admittedly had to Google Jennifer and Jenner, she found the gesture amusing and noted that fans were quick to speak up:

“We appreciate the thought, but you kind of missed it.”

Overall, Atwood is touched by her audience’s enthusiasm—whether it takes the form of protest, literary debate, or novelty desserts.