How a strategic leak made Elisabeth Moss fight for her iconic Handmaid’s Tale role after initially saying no.
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A Surprising Initial “No”
Elisabeth Moss nearly turned down her iconic role as June Osborne.
Fresh off her eight-year stint on Mad Men, she wasn’t ready to dive into another long-term commitment so soon.
The thought of signing up for another five or six years made her hesitate and initially decline the offer that would later earn her two Emmy Awards.
The Game-Changing Revelation
What changed her mind? The producers cleverly leaked who they’d cast instead.
“Over my dead body,” Moss recalled thinking when she heard the alternative actress’s name.
Though she keeps this mystery competitor secret, this strategic move made her realize just how badly she wanted the role after all.
From Reluctance to Ownership
The revelation sparked something fierce in Moss. “I couldn’t stand the idea of anyone else playing that role,” she admitted during her Jennifer Hudson Show appearance.
This protective instinct helped her recognize her deep connection to June Osborne before she’d even stepped into the character’s shoes.
A Powerful Conclusion
After eight years spanning six seasons, The Handmaid’s Tale wraps up on May 27.
The cast gave everything to the finale, with Moss proudly stating everyone “left everything on the dance floor.”
The now-mother hopes the dystopian series ultimately offers viewers hope through June’s inspiring bravery.