The Testaments Activation Draws Crowds in Santa Monica

Fans gather at Third Street Promenade for immersive experience tied to Handmaid's Tale sequel.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Hundreds of fans of the Handmaid's Tale franchise gathered in Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade for an immersive activation event tied to the upcoming sequel novel, The Testaments. The activation featured appearances by actors from the show, interactive exhibits, and photo opportunities for attendees.

Why it matters

The Testaments, Margaret Atwood's highly anticipated sequel to The Handmaid's Tale, has generated significant buzz and anticipation among fans of the acclaimed dystopian novel and Hulu series adaptation. This activation event in Santa Monica aimed to further build excitement and engagement around the new book's release.

The details

The Testaments activation in Santa Monica featured appearances by actors Chase Infiniti and Amy Seimetz, who play key roles in the Handmaid's Tale universe. Attendees were able to explore interactive exhibits that recreated settings from the novels and TV show, take photos in costume, and participate in other immersive experiences.

  • The activation took place on April 1, 2026, ahead of the release of The Testaments novel later that year.

The players

The Testaments

The highly anticipated sequel novel to Margaret Atwood's acclaimed dystopian work The Handmaid's Tale.

Chase Infiniti

An actor who portrays a character in the Handmaid's Tale television series, which is based on Atwood's novels.

Amy Seimetz

An actress who also has a role in the Handmaid's Tale TV adaptation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've been waiting years for this next chapter in the story. Being here today feels like a dream come true.”

— Sarah Wilkins, Handmaid's Tale fan

“Seeing these characters come to life in such an immersive way is really special. It's a great way to build excitement for the new book.”

— Ethan Nguyen, Handmaid's Tale fan

What’s next

The Testaments novel is scheduled for release on September 10, 2026, three months after the activation event.

The takeaway

This activation demonstrates the continued cultural impact of Margaret Atwood's Handmaid's Tale universe, as well as the power of immersive, experiential marketing to engage passionate fan communities ahead of major new releases.