Look What You Made Me Do originally sent shockwaves through the pop culture landscape when it debuted nearly seven years ago. The track, often considered Swift’s boldest response to her critics, took aim at public feuds and media narratives, most notably involving Kanye West
Taylor Swift’s devoted fan base — better known as Swifties — were sent into a frenzy on Monday night (May 19) after a surprise preview of Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor’s Version) was featured in the hit series The Handmaid’s Tale. The reimagined track, taken from her controversial 2017 album Reputation, sparked renewed speculation that Swift’s next re-recorded album might finally be around the corner.
The pop icon, who turned 35 this year, has been methodically reclaiming her back catalogue since 2021. After the release of 1989 (Taylor’s Version) in October 2023, only two albums remain from her original Big Machine Records contract that are eligible for re-recording: her 2006 self-titled debut and Reputation.
Look What You Made Me Do originally sent shockwaves through the pop culture landscape when it debuted nearly seven years ago. The track, often considered Swift’s boldest response to her critics, took aim at public feuds and media narratives, most notably involving Kanye West.
Its reappearance in a pivotal revenge scene in The Handmaid’s Tale has reignited fan theories that Swift is preparing to formally announce Reputation (Taylor’s Version) — possibly at the upcoming American Music Awards (AMAs). Fueling the speculation is a curious observation on Swift’s official merchandise website. The homepage now displays four product categories: Apparel, Music, Accessories, and Sale — forming the acronym “AMAS”. Coincidentally, the 2024 AMAs are scheduled for May 26, and Swift is nominated in six major categories, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for The Tortured Poets Department.
This subtle website update has set the Swiftie rumor mill ablaze, as the singer is known for embedding cryptic clues — or “Easter Eggs” — in everything from social media posts to music videos and interviews. The possibility that the AMAs could serve as the launchpad for the next Taylor’s Version announcement feels right in line with Swift’s meticulously planned rollouts.
Travis Kelce, Swift’s boyfriend and NFL star tight-end for the Kansas City Chiefs, was asked earlier this year during the Super Bowl press tour whether he had any inside scoop on upcoming releases. Smiling coyly, Kelce replied that he could “not confirm or deny” any knowledge about Swift’s next album. However, he did offer an affectionate tidbit about her cooking, revealing that her homemade Pop-Tarts were “unbelievable.”
Swift began the ambitious re-recording project in 2021, starting with Fearless (Taylor’s Version) in April, followed by Red (Taylor’s Version) in November of the same year. Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) arrived in July 2023, and 1989 (Taylor’s Version) landed in October. This makes Reputation and her debut album the final two to be re-released — though fans believe Reputation will drop first, with Taylor Swift (Taylor’s Version) closing out the era poetically.
Many argue that it would be symbolic for Swift to end the project with her debut — coming full circle in a journey that has redefined artist ownership and independence in the modern music industry.
In a 2023 interview with Time, Swift hinted at the emotional weight of revisiting Reputation. She described the album as “a goth-punk moment of female rage at being gaslit by an entire social structure.” She went on to explain that it was often misunderstood. “People just see the snakes and strobe lights, but there’s more to it than that,” she said.
Notably, during her final 2023 performance of the Eras Tour, Swift included surprise songs that further fueled speculation. She performed A Place in This World from her debut album and created a unique piano mash-up of Long Live and New Year’s Day — the latter of which she hadn’t played since her Reputation Stadium Tour.
Adding to the mounting clues, it has been 18 months since Swift last released a Taylor’s Version, marking the longest gap in the series to date. This has only heightened anticipation for Reputation (Taylor’s Version), especially as the original album was a commercial juggernaut with hits like Ready For It?, End Game, Gorgeous, and Delicate.
The surprise inclusion of Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor’s Version) in The Handmaid’s Tale appears to be more than just a random sync. It might be Swift’s calculated way of stirring buzz in the lead-up to what many fans believe will be a dramatic and fitting re-release of one of her most polarizing yet powerful records. Whether she confirms it at the AMAs or through a surprise drop, one thing is clear — Taylor Swift is, once again, in control of her narrative.
