10+ 'The Handmaid's Tale' Behind-The-Scenes Secrets Fans Definitely Didn't Know

Season 1 concludes precisely how Atwood's novel did, but that's where the similarities stop.

From season 2 onward, all of the writing is based on completely new and original concepts.

In total, there have been ten different adaptations and interpretations of "The Handmaid's Tale." They range everywhere from ballet to radio performances.

There was even a movie made back in the early '90s

Amanda plays Rita, one of the Marthas of Gilead. Her essay on "The Handmaid's Tale" got her accepted into University and she also wrote her thesis on the subject.

She's described meeting Margaret Atwood as a dream come true.

Though the series is set in the alternate dystopian universe of Gilead, filming actually takes place north of the border.

The series shoots on location in Toronto, ON, which is somewhat ironic — considering that's precisely where the characters in Atwood's novel escape to.

In Margaret Atwood's novel, the people of Gilead aren't just inherently cruel — they're also horribly racist. Therefore, there are no Black characters.

“What’s the difference between making a TV show about racists and making a racist TV show where you don’t hire any actors of color?" showrunner Bruce Miller asked during an interview with The Guardian.

Not just in title, either. Elisabeth prides herself on being incredibly hands-on. As she explained to Indie Wire:

“For me, to have a voice in this industry after doing this for 28 years, to be able to have a say in anything — it’s like crack,” she said.

One thing that Margaret makes crystal clear is that everything you read in the book and see on TV has actually happened somewhere at some point in history.

Therefore, there's nothing 'fictional' about The Handmaid's Tale.

Not only that, but Margaret didn't even write it on her own machine.

She was traveling in Berlin and rented a typewriter in order to accommodate her writing needs.

In 2017, The Handmaid's Tale took home the honor for "Best Drama," making it the first streaming series ever to do so.

That means Hulu beat out the very best that Netflix had to offer: House of Cards, Orange is the New Black as well as The Crown.

The wings that the Handmaids are forced to wear are meant to obstruct their faces from the world, but it also makes it incredibly hard to see when you're acting.

Silence on set, therefore, is a necessity.

This is an allusion to the Nazis in World War II, who stole countless priceless pieces of art during the German occupation of Europe.

It's a way of subtly expressing the essence of the Commander's character: cruel and deceptive.

Margaret plays an Aunt, one of the cruel overlords of the Handmaids.

You can spot her quite easily, as she's the one who slaps Offred in the head during her initiation.

Ann has admitted that one of her favorite parts about playing such a brutal and intimidating part is having a little fun with the extras on set.

She's been known to stay in character and absolutely terrify the newcomers.

Director Reed Morano doesn't pull punches with her words. According to her interview with Esquire, Morano feels:

"We're too complacent. We let things happen to us. And you don't have to let things happen to you. You can affect change. Here's a not-so-subtle warning."

Fiennes spoke to The Huffington Post about how playing Commander Waterford "jolted" him awake to the many disparages that take place on a daily basis between the sexes.

The star now considers himself an active and vocal member of the Women's Rights movement.