Skip to main content

Alexis Bledel shocked fans with a sudden and unexpected return to Hollywood in The Handmaid’s Tale. Bledel, who portrayed Emily in the series through season four, appeared onscreen to explain where her character had been. The decision brought closure to fans, many of whom were left wanting by her decision to leave the series. That’s why Bledel agreed to appear one more time. She wanted to give the character and fans closure.

Alexis Bledel explains why she returned for ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ finale

Alexis Bledel shocked fans when she appeared on screen for the first time in years. Reprising her role as Emily in The Handmaid’s Tale one last time was an unexpected surprise. It was shocking, even from a show filled with surprises. Bledel recently explained why she was compelled to reprise the role she walked away from in 2021.

Alexis Bledel in 'The Handmaid's Tale'
Alexis Bledel in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ | Jasper Savage/Hulu

Alexis Bledel sat down for a chat with The Hollywood Reporter and explained why she decided to reprise the role of Emily during the finale of The Handmaid’s Tale. Bledel told the publication that she immediately said yes when she was invited to take part in the series finale. She went on to explain that she felt like Emily’s story deserved a proper ending and that fans deserved closure. The crew felt the same, noting that Emily’s story, which ended unexpectedly, felt incomplete.

In her final scene, Emily explains that she hadn’t abandoned the movement. Instead, she said, she had been working secretly the entire time she was gone. She even explained she had been in touch with her wife and child. For fans, it was satisfying to learn that Emily hadn’t just disappeared.

Why did the star walk away from the series?

Alexis Bledel’s departure from The Handmaid’s Tale was a surprising one. In fact, an entire storyline had been built around her character ahead of season 5 before she opted to walk away. Bledel has never explained in-depth why she left the series, instead simply stating that she had to take a step back.

Related

‘Gilmore Girls’ Costumer Shuts Down Rumors That Milo Ventimiglia Mistreated Alexis Bledel on Set

Initially, murmurings suggested there had been trouble on the set, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Personal reasons might have played into the decision, though. Critics and followers largely suspect that the end of her marriage to Vincent Kartheiser, which was finalized in 2022, likely played a role in her desire to step almost entirely out of the spotlight. Recently, she admitted she found the work to be “deeply upsetting.”

Alexis Bledel hasn’t done much in terms of acting since leaving The Handmaid’s Tale and has only recently begun to resurface in Hollywood. Until now, the series was her last known acting role, although she is set to star in an independent film, according to IMDb.

Best in News