This article contains spoilers up to episode eight, series six of the Handmaid's Tale
Since the series premiere of The Handmaid’s Tale in 2017, audiences have followed June Osborne through a harrowing character arc that has seen her go through it all. From being torn away from her family and forced into servitude as a Handmaid, to rising as a leading, influential figure in the resistance against Gilead, June’s transformation has been both heartbreaking and empowering.
As The Handmaid’s Tale enters its sixth and final season, the series shows no signs of offering June an easy way out. Even after escaping to Canada and now to Alaska, Gilead’s reach continues to haunt her, pushing her back into danger. Her attempted journey to Hawaii at the end of season five saw her seek momentary piece, but she's now at the forefront of war against Gilead, alongside Luke and Moira after that brutal wedding massacre.
In episode seven, she was tested more than ever. After Nick shares Mayday’s plans to protect her and a mass execution of the Jezebels occurs, June loses the trust of her allies and questions her own role in the resistance. But Commander Lawrence’s plan to strike Gilead during Serena’s wedding reignites June’s desire to seek justice. With the chance to save Janine and other women still trapped in Gilead, June chooses to risk everything yet again.
But with her at the forefront of the fight against Gilead, what does this mean for June? Many will be wondering if ultimately she survives to see how her efforts might make a change.
While The Handmaid’s Tale is coming to a definitive close, we know that, actually, June’s story is far from over. Because Margaret Atwood’s sequel novel The Testaments, set 15 years into the future, confirms that June survives and continues her war against Gilead from the shadows. Her actions shape the resistance and the eventual fall of the regime.
We know, too, that they have started producing and casting The Testaments for TV.
As it currently stands, Elisabeth Moss has not yet confirmed whether her character June, will make a comeback for The Testaments, but given Moss’ thorough involvement in the series, both on and off the screen, it’s likely that we may see June make her return, alongside Anne Dowd (Aunt Lydia) and the new incoming cast. If this were to be the case, it is unknown what her exact role in the series would look like it. She may become a wise older leader in the resistance that younger members turn to for knowledge, given her vast experience.
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