Behind the Scenes: ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Showrunner Discusses a Complex Character’s Backstory

Title: The Handmaid’s Tale Showrunner on Bringing More Backstory to One of Its Most Complicated Characters

Date: April 15, 2025

In a recent interview, The Handmaid’s Tale showrunner Bruce Miller discussed the upcoming sixth and final season of the Hulu series. While discussing the complex character of Fred Waterford, Miller revealed that they will be exploring his backstory in greater detail.

Fred Waterford, played by Joseph Fiennes, has always been a morally ambiguous figure throughout the series. His relationship with Serena Joy and his role as Commander Waterford have made him one of the most complicated characters in the show. Miller emphasized that delving deeper into Fred’s character would not only provide more context to his motivations but also serve as a commentary on the societal issues depicted in the series.

“We’ve always known that Fred is an incredibly important figure in Gilead, and we wanted to do justice to that,” Miller explained. “By exploring his past and the events that shaped him into the person he became, we’re not only providing more depth to the character but also shedding light on how this world came to be.”

Miller went on to say that their goal is to create a nuanced portrayal of Fred’s life, highlighting both his darker moments and those where he showed glimpses of humanity. This approach will allow viewers to gain a better understanding of why Fred made certain choices throughout the series.

The Handmaid’s Tale returns with its final season on April 8.

Source: https://gizmodo.com/handmaids-tale-season-6-serena-joy-backstory-2000589823