The Handmaid's Tale has consistently delivered gripping drama and powerful moments that resonate with audiences worldwide. As the series approaches its finale, fans were treated to an unforgettable musical twist that perfectly underlined the long-awaited rebellion in Gilead.
June leads the handmaids in rebellion, set to Taylor Swift's 'Look What You Made Me Do' in The Handmaid's Tale.
In one of the final episodes, the opening sequence stuns viewers as June Osborne, played by Elisabeth Moss, leads an uprising against the tyrannical regime. The choice of soundtrack—Taylor Swift’s re-recorded "Look What You Made Me Do"—elevates this moment into pop culture history. Showrunner Elisabeth Moss shared her excitement, stating, "There could not be a more perfect song for a more perfect moment."
Song selection was intentional. According to the Emmy-winning editor Wendy Hallam Martin, the production team sought a strong female voice to reflect June’s resilience and defiance. The revamped track, with its pounding synths and mature tone, mirrors the bold actions of the handmaids during the harrowing escape and struggle. For more behind-the-scenes insights into this remarkable episode and the collaboration with Swift, read Taylor Swift's 'Look What You Made Me Do' Debuts in 'Handmaid's Tale'.
The synergy between "Look What You Made Me Do" and the themes of The Handmaid's Tale is striking. Swift’s lyrics echo the rage and determination fueling the rebellion, while the haunting, powerful beat keeps viewers on edge. This choice is not random. In fact, Taylor Swift herself described the original Reputation era as "a goth-punk moment of female rage."
This isn’t the first time the show has used music to amplify its message, but it might be the most memorable. The musical moment has created buzz among fans, further fueled by speculation around Swift’s upcoming "Reputation (Taylor’s Version)" album. For details on how this major pop culture crossover unfolded and what it means for both The Handmaid's Tale and Swifties, check out Taylor Swift Teases 'Look What You Made Me Do (TV)' in 'Handmaid's Tale'.
The penultimate episode sees June and the resistance risking everything. Even as the rebellion faces brutal opposition, the inclusion of Swift’s song injects a defiant hope into the series. This bold move sets the stage for one last explosive showdown in Gilead. Show creators have promised an honest, realistic ending. They want viewers to be left with a sense of hope and resilience as the curtain falls.
Looking to the future, Hulu has already greenlit "The Testaments," a spinoff set 15 years after the original story. For more on the deadly rebellion and Taylor Swift's involvement ahead of the finale, read How The Handmaid's Tale Involved Taylor Swift Ahead of Series Finale | Us Weekly.
The Handmaid's Tale has not only told a compelling story about resistance and survival, but has also cemented its place in television history by directly tapping into modern music and feminist icons. The inclusion of Taylor Swift's anthem is more than a soundtrack; it's a rallying cry for viewers and characters alike. As we await the final episode, both Handmaid's Tale fans and Swifties have more reasons than ever to celebrate this unforgettable pop culture moment.