Strahovski Teases Cold Handmaid’s Tale Set and Jacket Theft
Hulu’s freezing dystopian shoot leaves Yvonne layered up as Max Minghella strikes mischief
Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.
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Behind The Scenes Chill
Yvonne Strahovski treated fans to a frosty peek behind the scenes of Hulu’s hit drama when she posted two photos on Instagram showing her bundled up against near-zero temperatures. The actress—best known for playing Serena Joy Waterford on The Handmaid’s Tale—wore a striking puffy coat from New Bethlehem, layering a military-inspired overcoat atop her costume to fend off the biting wind. Her caption read: “Fashion but Gilead but freezing cold then Max stole my New Bethlehem puffy the sneaky sneak. @maxminghella We have no fun on this show.”
Strahovski And Minghella’s On-set Antics
Max Minghella, who portrays Nick Blaine on the series, clearly finds the wintry conditions ripe for mischief. Strahovski’s remark about her co-star “stealing” her jacket underscores the friendly rapport the pair have developed while filming the upcoming episodes. In the snaps, Minghella can be seen sneaking the bright puffer away, prompting Strahovski to joke that the show’s dystopian world hasn’t curbed their sense of humor—despite the frost.
Fans who follow Strahovski’s Instagram (@yvonnestrahovski) know she often shares candid moments between takes. In an earlier post (https://www.instagram.com/p/DIcsjlUPhW8/), she captured a glamorous press-event look in New York City, tagging her makeup artist Gita Bass, hairstylist Josue Perez and stylist Katie Bof. That glimpse of polished red-carpet style contrasts sharply with this icy shoot on location, where costumes meet practicality.
From Chuck To Gilead: Strahovski’s Journey
Born in Sydney, Australia, Strahovski rose to prominence as CIA agent Sarah Walker on the action-comedy series Chuck (2007–2012). She earned critical acclaim and two Emmy nominations for her turn as the complex Serena Joy Waterford on The Handmaid’s Tale, adapting Margaret Atwood’s chilling dystopia for television. The show, which has won multiple Golden Globes and Emmys since its 2017 debut, is now shooting its sixth and final season, slated to premiere later this year.
On set, the cast films against a backdrop of faux snow and stark wooden constructions, the perfect stand-in for the oppressive nation of Gilead. Strahovski’s behind-the-scenes photo—jacket half-stolen, breath visible in the air—offers a rare candid counterpoint to the character’s controlled, always-poised persona.
What’s Next For Gilead’s Inner Circle
With the final season on the horizon, viewers are eager to see Serena Joy’s arc conclude. The character’s fierce ambition and moral compromises have driven much of the series’ drama. Minghella’s Nick, once a sympathetic figure, finds himself increasingly entangled in Gilead’s power struggles—a contrast reflected in the actors’ off-duty camaraderie captured by Strahovski’s playful post.
Beyond Handmaid’s Tale, Strahovski has films lined up, including a supporting role in a major studio thriller due next summer. But for now, her focus remains on wrapping the last chapters of Gilead’s story. Those icy snaps remind us that even amid dystopian turmoil, the real-life cast endures freezing mornings—and sometimes loses a favorite coat.
Yvonne Strahovski’s chilly set adventures are a welcome reminder that even in the darkest fiction, the laughter of its stars can shine through. Her layered style choices, co-star pranks and candid posts keep fans excited for what comes next on screen and off.
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