What kinds of memorabilia did Elisabeth Moss take from the set of The Handmaid’s Tale? Did any other cast members mention keeping specific items? How does the cast feel about the relevance of the show’s final season in today’s political climate? What reflections did the actors express regarding the implications of forced births and women’s health issues since the show began? How does Moss view the role of action in combating despair depicted in the series?
Elisabeth Moss wasn’t going to leave The Handmaid’s Tale empty-handed.
After starring in six seasons of the hit series, along with serving as an executive producer and director, Moss told The Hollywood Reporter at the show’s final season premiere on Wednesday that when it came to taking home souvenirs from set, “I looted the place.”
“I have a full-set handmaids costume — I don’t know what I’m going to do with it, it’s not like I’m going to wear it,” she laughed. “I have a Scrabble board; I’ve got a lot. I took as much as I could; don’t tell anyone.”
Co-star Yvonne Strahovski said she kept Serena’s leather finger — “I feel like it’s a winner” — and Madeline Brewer kept Janine’s “eye patch, for sure. I walked right off of set and put all my stuff in my bag and got the hell out of there.” Co-showrunner Eric Tuchman also confessed to securing a “bonnet-to-boots” handmaids costume, which he plans to keep in his closet.
On a heavier note, the cast also talked on the carpet about how it felt to release the show’s final season during the current political moment.
“Unfortunately we need The Handmaid’s Tale more than ever; I think we need this season of The Handmaid’s Tale more than ever,” said Brewer. “We need to show that there’s certain inextinguishable flames inside a person that just can’t be taken away, that can’t be stamped out. And that’s never going to change, not in or out of The Handmaid’s Tale. Some things are true and have always been true, like the existence of trans people.”
Bradley Whitford noted that when the show first premiered in April 2017, “the idea that Roe v. Wade was going to be overturned was inconceivable; we have seen over the course of this show women’s health has been totally politicized. We’ve seen a president get elected [while] turning a vulnerable queer community into a political football.”
And as the handmaids in the series are forced to bear children for the men of Gilead, Whitford said with abortion now outlawed in several states that forced births “are happening now and it’s very upsetting. I hope that people understand that this is happening now, but I hope they don’t despair because the heart of this show is June [played by Moss] understanding that despair is a luxury her children can’t afford and action is the anecdote to despair. And we need to be the change.”
Samira Wiley also acknowledged, “It’s definitely nothing that I wanted, for this second term to happen; it’s definitely nothing I ever would have imagined, but I do think that this show, as always, is meeting the world and America where it is.”
The Handmaid’s Tale season six starts streaming on Hulu April 8.
Elisabeth Moss Reveals What She Took From ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Set: A Closer Look at Sentimental Keepsakes
In the world of television, some shows leave an indelible mark on both the viewers and the people who create them. One such series is "The Handmaid’s Tale," based on Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel, and starring Elisabeth Moss in the role of June Osborne. With its profound themes, vivid imagery, and poignant storytelling, the show has not only captivated audiences but also created a deep emotional connection for the cast. Recently, Moss opened up about her experience on the set and revealed some of the sentimental items she took with her as keepsakes from the production.
For those unfamiliar with "The Handmaid’s Tale," the series immerses viewers in a totalitarian regime known as Gilead, where a patriarchal society subjugates women and strips them of their rights. Moss’s character, June, navigates this oppressive landscape with resilience and defiance, proving to be a symbol of hope and resistance. The emotional weight and intensity of the role have understandably left a lasting mark on the actress who embodies it. As the series concluded its fourth season, Moss took a moment to reflect on her journey, both within the fictional world of Gilead and in the real world of Hollywood.
One of the most striking aspects of Elisabeth Moss’s revelations is the melding of her professional experience with personal sentiment. In various interviews, she has indicated that working on "The Handmaid’s Tale" was not just a job but a deeply transformative process. With production wrapped, Moss felt compelled to keep tangible memories from the set that could serve as a reminder of the impactful stories they told.
Among the items she took were the iconic red cloaks that are so emblematic of the series. These garments, worn by the Handmaids, serve as both a symbol of subjugation and an emblem of rebellion. By taking one of these cloaks, Moss holds onto a piece of the narrative that profoundly affected her as an actress and as a person. Each piece of wardrobe in film and television carries with it a significance that goes beyond mere fabric, acting as a vessel for character development and thematic depth. The red cloak, with its stark color and historical associations, encapsulates the essence of June’s struggle and her fight for freedom.
In addition to the red cloak, Moss also mentioned that she kept various props from the set, including a few of June’s personal belongings that her character utilized throughout the series. Items such as books and mementos provide authenticity to June’s life and serve as a bridge between her and the viewers. By preserving these items, Moss has created a personal archive that allows her to revisit the emotional highs and lows that came with embodying such a complex character. It serves as a literal and metaphorical touchstone for her journey on the show and the immense growth she underwent as both a performer and an individual.
Taking something from a set is often a way for actors to channel their connection to the character they portrayed. For Moss, it’s not merely about collecting memorabilia; it’s about honoring the work and the message that "The Handmaid’s Tale" has disseminated. The show sparked conversations on women’s rights, autonomy, and resistance against authoritarianism—topics that resonate deeply in contemporary society. By keeping these items, Moss aims to treasure and reflect upon the powerful narratives explored in the series long after its conclusion.
Moreover, Moss’s attachment to her keepsakes underscores the emotional labor involved in acting, especially in a role that demands such vulnerability and strength. The oppressive atmosphere of Gilead, coupled with the character’s harrowing experiences, not only challenged her as an actress but also provided a space for reflection and growth. The materials she chose to take with her are reminders of the resilience she depicted; they symbolize a journey that extends beyond the confines of a set.
As "The Handmaid’s Tale" resonates with themes of resistance and hope, it continues to inspire audiences across the globe. Moss, by revealing her cherished mementos, opens the door to deeper conversations about the intertwining of personal and professional experiences in the world of acting. Her journey on the show, exemplified by these keepsakes, serves as a testament to the powerful narratives that arise from skilled performances and the enduring connections forged during the creative process.
In conclusion, Elisabeth Moss’s decision to take items from "The Handmaid’s Tale" set is not merely an act of nostalgia; it’s a commitment to remembering and honoring the journey of her character and the profound impact of the series. As both a performer and an advocate for the themes of the show, Moss’s story serves as a poignant reminder of art’s ability to touch lives and evoke change, leaving a legacy that transcends the screen.
In a recent interview, Elisabeth Moss shared her experience while working on “The Handmaid’s Tale” and revealed some personal items she took from the set. She expressed a deep connection to the series, which played a crucial role in her career. The items she chose to keep reflect her attachment to the character and the impact of the show on her life. Moss highlighted the significance of these artifacts, suggesting that they serve as lasting reminders of her time on the series and the powerful themes it explored. The sentiment behind her choices illustrates the emotional weight that creative projects can carry for performers.