Why Did Alexis Bledel’s Emily Leave The Handmaid’s Tale?

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There’s been much speculation as to why Alexis Bledel‘s character Emily, who was a key figure in The Handmaid’s Tale, has not appeared in Season 5. Given the significant event that took place at the end of Season 4, many viewers are wondering if Emily will return for future episodes or if Alexis Bledel has chosen to leave the series permanently. As the show approaches its final season, fans are eagerly awaiting updates on Emily’s potential return.

Here’s what we know about why Alexis Bledel left The Handmaid’s Tale and what happened to Emily.

When did Alexis Bledel’s Emily leave The Handmaid’s Tale and why?

In the final episode of Season 4, Alexis Bledel’s character, Emily Malek, was seen aiding other ex-handmaids in taking vengeance against Fred Waterford in the world of The Handmaid’s Tale.

In the first episode of Season 5, it was clarified why she was missing. Her spouse, Sylvia, informed June that Emily had gone back to Gilead to combat the ruling system, explaining, “That’s what she felt compelled to do.

In the initial season, Emily was presented as a companion-in-arms to June who managed to flee Gilead together with June’s daughter, Nichole. Canada provided her sanctuary, and she found refuge with June’s husband. The series delved into her struggles to adapt to life beyond Gilead and deal with the aftermath of trauma during Season 3. She made her latest on-screen appearance in the tenth episode of Season 4.

Alexis Bledel announced in May 2022 that she won’t be coming back for Season 5 of “The Handmaid’s Tale.” In a statement, she explained, “After careful consideration, I chose to leave The Handmaid’s Tale now. I am eternally grateful to Bruce Miller for creating such meaningful and impactful roles for Emily, and to Hulu, MGM, the cast, and crew for their continuous support.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, showrunner Bruce Miller revealed that Rory Gilmore actress Alexis Bledel decided to leave the series independently. He explained, “She made this choice on her own during a complex period; she informed me of it.” Bledel has yet to disclose any further reasons behind her exit from the show.

She left just prior to her legal separation from Vincent Kartheiser, which was officially concluded in August 2022. The storyline of The Handmaid’s Tale carried on beyond Emily, moving into its sixth season.

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2025-04-16 08:10