Did Elisabeth Moss personally ask Taylor Swift for song rights? Here’s what we know

Elisabeth Moss, known for starring in and producing The Handmaid’s Tale, revealed in early June 2025 that she wrote directly to Taylor Swift. Instead of having agents or lawyers initiate discussions, Moss chose to send a heartfelt letter explaining why Swift’s re-recorded song fit a crucial scene in the show’s sixth season.

She noted that the cast admired Swift’s music and felt the lyrics resonated with the characters’ experiences.

As Elisabeth Moss said,

“I wrote her a letter about what I felt like the song meant for the episode, and her music means to me and our cast.”

Swift responded quickly by granting permission, making it clear she was moved by Moss’s words. There was no formal pitch at first, just an honest message from one artist to another.

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The song choice reflects themes in the episode

In episode nine of season six, the story centers on characters rising and challenging unjust rules. Moss explained that “Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor’s Version)” captured that moment’s feeling of taking back control.

The original version appeared in 2017, and Swift released the re-recorded version in late 2021 to reclaim ownership of her music. By June 2025, this version symbolized Swift’s long fight for creative rights.

Elisabeth Moss told Billboard,

“I’ve been wanting to use a Taylor song for many years on the show and we finally found the perfect spot for a track from her, and I’m so glad we waited.”

The lyrics about reclaiming strength after being wronged mirrored the characters’ determination. Including this track emphasized how the show and Swift’s work both address themes of empowerment.

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Swift’s agreement did not include an on-screen appearance

Before Elisabeth Moss's announcement, some fans speculated that Taylor Swift might appear on screen in the episode. Moss clarified that no cameo was ever planned. She emphasized that the collaboration focused solely on the song.

“Honestly, the feedback was her saying yes,” Moss shared, highlighting how direct the approval was.

There was no discussion of Swift acting in any scene, so viewers should not expect to see her face in the episode.

Keeping Swift off-screen ensured the show maintained its dramatic focus without relying on a celebrity moment. Instead, Swift’s presence is felt through the music alone, allowing the narrative to remain central.

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Licensing details remain private

After Swift agreed, standard licensing discussions likely took place behind the scenes, but neither Elisabeth Moss nor Swift shared the specifics. Typically, producers negotiate fees and usage rights before a song appears on TV.

However, as of June 6, 2025, no official figures or contract terms have been revealed. Industry insiders might estimate that a high-profile song by Taylor Swift would command a significant fee, yet no public confirmation exists.

Elisabeth Moss and Taylor Swift have kept those conversations between their teams. This privacy is common in entertainment contracts; the public learns only that an agreement was reached, not the financial details.

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The timing highlighted shared themes of ownership

Taylor Swift completed regaining her first six masters in late May 2025, a milestone years in the making. Just days later, Elisabeth Moss' request and Swift’s agreement became public.

The close timing highlighted how both artists value creative control. Elisabeth Moss noted that using the re-recorded version felt “perfect” because it symbolized reclaiming power, similar to the characters’ fight in The Handmaid’s Tale.

Fans recognized the parallel between Swift’s journey to own her music and the show’s exploration of autonomy. The pairing of song and scene arrived at a moment when themes of ownership were especially relevant.

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Some aspects of the process remain undisclosed

While Elisabeth Moss confirmed she wrote the letter, it remains unclear if her writing team assisted in drafting or editing it. We do not know whether anyone else on the production suggested the song initially. There is also no information on whether Swift requested changes to how the song would appear on screen.

Private discussions between Swift’s representatives and the show’s legal department likely occurred, but details have not been shared publicly. For now, the essential facts are that Elisabeth Moss reached out, Swift agreed, and viewers will hear “Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor’s Version)” in episode nine. All other parts of the negotiation remain behind closed doors.

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