Film & TV
O-T Fagbenle Reflects on the Final Season of The Handmaid’s Tale: “A Full Circle Moment”
As ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ enters its final chapter, actor O-T Fagbenle—who has played Luke Bankole since the very beginning — is taking it all in with a deep sense of appreciation. Speaking with Hollywood Melanin, Fagbenle opened up about his experience on the groundbreaking series, what it meant to him, and how his character evolves as the story comes to a close.
“My overall feeling is one of gratitude,” he shared. “So few people get to be part of a big show, let alone one that means so much to so many people. And you know, everything ends—that’s the ephemeral nature of the universe. The fact that we’re ending it in style, the way we want to, and in a way I think the audience will find really satisfying, makes me happy.”
Filming the final scenes was both emotional and physically demanding, especially in the freezing Toronto weather, where the show is filmed.
“I’ll never forget how cold it was—my goodness, Toronto can get freezing!” he recalled. “But what really stood out was having Lizzie [Elisabeth Moss] direct the final episode. Watching her blossom into this powerhouse artist—acting, producing, directing—she does it all so brilliantly. Everything started with her. The very first scene of the show was her, Hannah, and me in the car. So this final season feels like a full-circle moment.”
Throughout the series, Luke has faced intense emotional and moral challenges. His journey mirrors the reality of many displaced people around the world—those caught in the chaos of war and political upheaval, struggling with a lack of power and control.
“One of Luke’s biggest challenges has always been his sense of helplessness—his inability to act,” Fagbenle explained. “He can’t get his daughter back, he can’t get his wife back. That reflects the reality of so many refugees today who have no power over the machinery of big governments. But what’s satisfying in this final season is that you finally get to see Luke take some chances—he starts to make a bit of a difference.”
As ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ enters its sixth and final season, Fagbenle’s reflections serve as a powerful reminder of the emotional depth and cultural relevance the series has carried since its debut. With new episodes dropping weekly from April 8 through May 27 on HULU, fans can expect a poignant and gripping conclusion to the story of June Osborn and those around her. For Fagbenle and viewers who’ve followed Luke’s journey from the beginning, this season promises a payoff that’s both meaningful and hard-earned.
‘Tyler Perry’s Sistas’ universe is expanding with the upcoming ‘Divorced Sistas,’ a second spinoff series set to premiere on BET and BET+ in June 2025.
The new show promises to deliver Perry’s signature blend of drama, comedy, and heartfelt storytelling. It will focus on five women navigating life after divorce. Here’s everything you need to know about the show.
What Is Tyler Perry’s Divorced Sistas About?
‘Divorced Sistas’ follows five close friends—Rasheda, Geneva, Naomi, Tiffany, and Bridgette—as they tackle the complexities of life, love, and friendship post-divorce. The series explores themes of resilience, healing, and the power of female bonds, set against modern-day challenges like dating, marriage, and personal growth. Perry, who created, wrote, directed, and executive produced the series, describes it as “a story of resilience and the power of female friendship.”
The show is an extension of the Sistas universe, ranked as the No. 1 scripted series on cable among Black viewers aged 18-49 in 2024. This spinoff, the second after ‘Zatima,’ dives deeper into its characters’ emotional and comedic nuances, promising the dramatic twists and relatable moments Perry is known for.
The Cast of Divorced Sistas
LeToya Luckett (Greenleaf) leads the ensemble cast, which also includes Khadeen Indréa (Ellis Ever After), Porscha Coleman (Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!), Briana Price (Step Up: High Water), and Jennifer Sears.
The First Official Teaser Trailer
The teaser trailer, which dropped alongside the series announcement, introduces the five friends with quick glimpses of their vibrant personalities and the drama awaiting them. Watch it below.
When and Where to Watch Divorced Sistas
‘Divorced Sistas’ will premiere on BET on June 9, 2025, coinciding with the 2025 BET Awards, with streaming available on BET+ starting June 10.
BET+ subscribers can dive into the series as part of Perry’s expanded multi-year partnership with BET Media Group, which continues to deliver hit content for Black audiences.
Spike Lee and Denzel Washington, a duo synonymous with cinematic excellence, have reunited for ‘Highest 2 Lowest,’ a modern reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 masterpiece ‘High and Low.’ The first teaser trailer offers a glimpse into this A24 and Apple TV+ thriller, set to premiere in theaters August 22 and on Apple TV+ September 5.
The trailer introduces Washington as a music industry titan, a man whose “ears are the best in the business,” navigating a moral quagmire triggered by a botched kidnapping plot. His voiceover breaks down the film’s central tension: “There’s more to life than just making money. There’s integrity, there’s what you stand for.” Flashes of New York City—electric-blue skylines, frenetic subway chases, and courthouse standoffs—pulse with Lee’s signature visual flair, courtesy of cinematographer Matthew Libatique. The teaser’s animated Brooklyn Bridge shots and rapid cuts hint at a story teetering between opulence and chaos, with Washington’s character caught in a high-stakes ransom scheme that tests his principles.
Adapted from Kurosawa’s High and Low—itself based on Ed McBain’s King’s Ransom— ‘Highest 2 Lowest’ trades the original’s corporate shoe empire for the cutthroat world of music. Filmed in New York City last year, the film, scripted by William Alan Fox and reworked by Lee, channels the city’s raw energy.
The cast is stacked with talent, including Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, Dean Winters, and John Douglas Thompson. Adding a contemporary edge, A$AP Rocky plays Washington’s onscreen son, Yung Felon, while Ice Spice makes her acting debut. Lee, speaking on Carmelo Anthony’s ‘7pm in Brooklyn’ podcast, praised Rocky’s fearless performance, noting scenes where he holds his own against Washington’s towering presence.
This marks Lee and Washington’s fifth collaboration, following iconic films like ‘Malcolm X’ and ‘Inside Man.’ Watch the new trailer below.
Viola Davis made a grand entrance at the world premiere of her new Prime Video movie, G20, which will be available for streaming on April 10. Watch the exclusive video below.
The official logline reads, “When the G20 summit comes under siege, U.S. President Danielle Sutton (Davis) becomes the number one target. After evading capture by the attackers, she must outsmart the enemy to protect her family, defend her country, and safeguard world leaders in this action-packed thrill ride.”
Directed by Patricia Riggen (The School For Good and Evil), the high-stakes action thriller also stars Anthony Anderson, Marsai Martin, Ramón Rodríguez, Douglas Hodge, Elizabeth Marvel, Sabrina Impacciatore, Christopher Farrar, and Antony Starr.
‘Divorced Sistas,’ Everything You Need To Know about the New ‘Sistas’ Spinoff
Spike Lee and Denzel Washington Reunite in New Teaser for ‘Highest 2 Lowest’
O-T Fagbenle Reflects on the Final Season of The Handmaid’s Tale: “A Full Circle Moment”
Viola Davis Makes a Grand Entrance At The World Premiere Of ‘G20’ (video)
Garcelle Beauvais Exits The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills After 5 Seasons: What’s Next for the Bravo Star?
Spike Lee and Denzel Washington Reunite in New Teaser for ‘Highest 2 Lowest’