You probably know Lucas Neff as the lovable, slightly dim-witted but golden-hearted Jimmy Chance from Raising Hope. He was the guy we all rooted for while he raised a baby in a chaotic, low-income household. So, when he showed up in The Handmaid’s Tale, it was a total system shock.
He isn't playing a hero here. Not even close.
In Season 5, Neff stepped into the shoes of Ryan Wheeler, and honestly, he’s one of the most unsettling additions to the show’s roster of villains. Why? Because he isn't a Commander in a black suit living in a concrete fortress. He’s a wealthy, polite guy living in a gorgeous house in Canada. He represents a brand of evil that feels way too close to home.
Who is Ryan Wheeler?
If you missed a few episodes or were scrolling through TikTok during his scenes, you might’ve just seen a handsome guy in a sweater. But look closer. Ryan Wheeler is a high-ranking Gilead sympathizer living north of the border. He and his wife, Alanis (played by the equally chilling Genevieve Angelson), are basically the "power couple" of the pro-Gilead movement in Toronto.
They are filthy rich. They have influence. And they’ve turned their home into a "soft" version of a Gileadean household.
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When Serena Joy Waterford finds herself without a home or a husband, the Wheelers take her in. At first, it looks like a sanctuary. But the dynamic shifts fast. Ryan isn't just a host; he’s a jailer. He treats Serena—the woman who literally helped write the laws of Gilead—like a high-end Handmaid in her own right. It's a massive "leopard ate my face" moment for Serena, and Neff plays the subtle, smiling control freak perfectly.
The terrifying thing about Lucas Neff in The Handmaid's Tale
Most of the bad guys in this show are religious zealots. They scream about scripture and "God’s Will." Ryan Wheeler? He doesn't seem to care about the Bible at all.
There’s a specific scene where Serena says "Praise be," and Ryan basically snickers. He finds the religious performance funny. To him, Gilead isn't a holy mission; it's a blueprint for pure power. He likes the hierarchy. He likes the control. He likes that in this system, people like him are at the very top of the food chain.
That’s why he’s scarier than some of the Commanders. He’s a secular man who chooses fascism because it’s convenient and profitable.
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Lucas Neff’s performance shift
It is wild to see Neff go from "goofy sitcom dad" to "calculated billionaire fascist." Most actors struggle to shed their most famous role, but Neff disappears into Ryan Wheeler. He uses his natural charm to make the character’s threats feel even more dangerous. He doesn't have to yell to be scary. He just has to tell Serena she isn't allowed to leave the house, and he does it with a smile that doesn't reach his eyes.
Critics and fans on Reddit have pointed out that his casting was a stroke of genius. By using an actor known for "nice guy" roles, the showrunners emphasized how easily "nice" people can buy into horrific systems.
What happened to Ryan Wheeler?
Throughout his four-episode arc in Season 5, Ryan becomes the primary obstacle for Serena. He’s the one providing the resources for the "Gilead Center" in Toronto, and he’s the one who eventually tries to claim Serena’s baby as his own (or rather, his wife’s).
He’s not a soldier on the front lines. He’s the guy funding the war from a comfortable living room. That nuance is what makes Lucas Neff’s Handmaid’s Tale appearance so memorable. He represents the global reach of Gilead—showing that the poison doesn't stop at the border.
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Where have you seen him before?
If you’re sitting there thinking, "I know that guy," but you never watched Raising Hope, here’s a quick refresher on Neff’s range:
- Raising Hope: The breakout role as Jimmy Chance.
- Downward Dog: He played Jason, the human lead opposite a talking dog (a show that was way better than it sounded).
- Carol’s Second Act: He was Dr. Caleb Sommers.
- Monsters at Work: He does the voice of Duncan.
- American Primeval: A more recent turn as Captain Edmund Dellinger.
He’s been busy. But Ryan Wheeler remains his darkest turn by a mile.
Why his role matters for the final season
As we head toward the sixth and final season of the show, the "Wheeler" problem still looms large. Canada is no longer the safe haven it once was. The rise of people like Ryan Wheeler shows that June and the other refugees are never truly safe, even if they cross the border.
Ryan is the face of "Gilead Lite." He’s the proof that the ideology is a virus. If men like him—wealthy, educated, and cynical—are buying in, then the world of the show is in even deeper trouble than we thought.
If you’re doing a rewatch before the final episodes drop, pay close attention to the scenes in the Wheeler mansion. Notice how Ryan moves. Notice how he treats his wife versus how he treats Serena. It’s a masterclass in quiet intimidation.
Next steps for fans: If you want to see more of Neff’s range, go back and watch the pilot of Raising Hope right after finishing Season 5 of The Handmaid's Tale. The whiplash is incredible. It’s also worth following the casting news for Season 6 to see if the Wheelers make a final, villainous stand as the series wraps up. Keep an eye on the official Hulu press releases for the Season 6 premiere date, which is expected to be the show's biggest production yet.