Fact: Margaret Atwood, novelist and writer of “The Handmaid’s Tale” is Canadian, and a major “get” for Toronto. Another fact: Drake, a rapper, and one-time star of “Degrassi” is also Canadian and a major “get” for Toronto. Now, with that information, could you imagine a sort of creative union between these two? You know, just for kicks?
Maybe you won’t have to. In a recent conversation between 77-year-old Atwood and fellow novelist Junot Diaz, Atwood expressed desire to give the people something they never asked for: a Drake cameo in the second season of “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
It all begins when Diaz notes that Toronto is full of smart, bright young folks, and that the city has too major superstars: Margaret Atwood and Drake. Then, Atwood gets into full swing because, I mean, why wouldn’t she? She has definitely seen “Degrassi” and was definitely moved to tears by Jimmy’s arc — from popular bad boy to wheelchair-bound teen with shattered dreams. And although I have no facts to base this on, my heart tells me that she played the “Hotline Bling” video on repeat for an entire weekend. Atwood — feel free to hit me up if I’m wrong.
Junot Diaz: So, have you met Drake?
Margaret Atwood: I haven’t met Drake, but I have of course met people who have met Drake. But you have to realize how o-l-d I am. I’m not likely to go to the same parties. Or many parties at all, to be frank.
JD: I understand. I just think that, Canada—I’ll say this to the whole nation—you are missing a great opportunity to put these two folks together. Have you listened to his music? Do you have any opinions?
MA: Wouldn’t it be fun for him to have a cameo in season two of The Handmaid’s Tale?
JD: Well, there you have it.
MA: There you have it. I’ll drop that notion into the ear of Bruce Miller, the showrunner, and see what he can do with that, because of course the show is filmed in Toronto. Maybe Drake could help smuggle someone?
Okay, I have so many ideas. Sure, Drizzy could smuggle someone. But also? He would do some great work in one of those flashbacks with all the feelings. Or he could play a part in one of the main character’s past lives! The options are limitless: Drake could be Nick’s childhood best friend! Drake could be Luke’s childhood best friend! Drake could be anybody’s childhood best friend!
So I’m down for it. Let’s make this happen already, Bruce — Drake deserves a place in Gilead!
Follow Rachael Vaughan Clemmons on Twitter — @rachaelclemz
