The actress, who plays Rita on the Hulu drama, will return full-time for the 13-episode second season.


The Handmaid's Tale is expanding its ensemble again, ahead of season two.
Amanda Brugel, who plays Rita on the acclaimed Hulu drama, has been upped to series regular for season two, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Rita, last seen in the season one finale, worked alongside Elisabeth Moss' Offred, serving as a Martha for Commander Fred (Joseph Fiennes) and Serena Joy (Yvonne Strahovski). Going into season two, Rita looks to play an important role since Offred entrusted her with the dozens of letters written by other Handmaids.
The promotion isn't surprising given that Brugel appeared in nine of the drama's first 10 episodes. She joins the Emmy-nominated Alexis Bledel (Ofglen), who has also been promoted to a series regular for the Margaret Atwood adaptation's highly anticipated second season.
The Handmaid's Tale cast also includes Samira Wiley, Max Minghella, Madeline Brewer, Ann Dowd and O-T Fagbenle.
Moss also serves as an exec producer on the MGM TV series, alongside showrunner Bruce Miller, Warren Littlefield, Daniel Wilson, Fran Sears and Ilene Chaiken.
The 13-episode second season begins production in September in Toronto for a 2018 premiere. The Handmaid's Tale is also up for 13 Emmys, including best drama series.
Brugel's credits include recurring roles on Eyewitness, Orphan Black and Covert Affairs. Her upcoming roles include the Catherine Reitman comedy series Workin' Moms, season two of the Canadian comedy Kim's Convenience and the film Kodachrome, which will debut next month at the Toronto International Film Festival. She is repped by Authentic Talent and Literary Management and Parent Management Inc.

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