'Handmaid's Tale' Alexis Bledel Announces She's Leaving The Series After 4 Seasons

Alexis Bledel is stepping down from her role in The Handmaid’s Tale. She has been playing the role of Emily Malek, aka Ofglen, since 2017. The actress announced the exit in a statement to Variety.

Bledel plays a key role in the popular show but felt that she needed to move on. “After much thought, I felt I had to step away from ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ at this time. I am forever grateful to Bruce Miller for writing such truthful and resonant scenes for Emily, and to Hulu, MGM, the cast, and crew for their support.”

She spent four years on the show and even won an Emmy for her role in the adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s popular novel.

As you may have noticed she didn’t share a specific reason why she is departing the show. There also isn’t an obvious reason to fans; she hasn’t announced a new project and the show is a freaking hit! It focuses on a society where women are the lowest of the low and must abide by the rules of the men in addition to not being able to have anything of their own (possessions, money, etc. ) it gets dark and is not for the faint of heart.

Some have even likened it to some of the oppression that women and minorities face today, yikes. Regardless, critics have praised Atwood’s novel for being ahead of its time and it doesn’t look like the show is ending any time soon.

The bold Ofglen is living life off the grid and hiding out. She, June, and other former handmaids are planning revenge on the Gilead. Oh yeah, they also murdered Commander Fred Waterford played by Joseph Fiennes. The premiere will surely be an exciting one.

Needless to say, the fact that Bledel is not returning is concerning for fans. A cliffhanger only works when everyone returns. Unless they plan on doing one of those fast forwards and a re-telling thing.

This sudden departure may stir up those pesky rumors that have been floating around lately about a Gilmore Girls revival. Bledel rose to fame as main character Rory Gilmore in the coming of age drama.

The show had a limited series order with Netflix and that was a smash hit. Ever since then fans have been begging for more. Now that the actress has made this announcement, well… fans will be speculating!

While we are all trying to process this annoying exit we also have to deal with the fact that the private actress has no active social media accounts to stalk. There is nothing out there to indicate what she doing next. Even a picture of her enjoying life would be a better update than a generic exit statement.

Like we mentioned earlier, hopefully, this exit is for something more pressing work-wise like that Gilmore Girl full series order.