Oscar winner Mahershala Ali joins Mark Ruffalo in Task Season 2. The acclaimed crime drama adds new complexity as a DEA agent clashes with the FBI task force.
- March 24, 2026
AceShowbiz - Task is expanding its cast with the addition of Oscar-winning actor Mahershala Ali for its upcoming second season, according to Variety.
Ali will portray Eddie Barnes, described as a seasoned and respected DEA agent based in Philadelphia whose team will clash with the unit led by Tom Brandis. Mark Ruffalo, who heads the cast as FBI agent Tom Brandis, returns for Season 2, which follows Brandis taking charge of a new task force. The official synopsis teases increased complexity as it becomes harder to determine who is the target within their operation.
Created by Brad Ingelsby, known for Mare of Easttown, Task premiered in September with a seven-episode first season. The series was renewed for a second season in November with both Ruffalo and Ingelsby confirmed to return.
Mahershala Ali is renowned for his acclaimed film roles in Moonlight and Green Book, both earning him Oscars for Best Supporting Actor. He is also no stranger to HBO crime dramas, having appeared in Season 3 of True Detective alongside Stephen Dorff. His television credits further include roles in House of Cards, Luke Cage, and The 4400.
In other casting developments, Harriet Walter, known for her role in Succession, has joined the cast of Sharon Horgan’s upcoming HBO comedy Youth, as reported by Deadline. The show centers on a 50-year-old divorcee navigating her search for love and intimacy while managing care for her ailing parents and parenting her nearly grown son. Alongside Walter, Anne Reid (Sanditon) and Freddie Fox (House of the Dragon) are also joining the cast.
Meanwhile, FX’s Sh?gun is adding five new actors for its second season: Risei Kukihara as Gabriel, Ryô Satô (Silence) as Rin, Seishiro Nishida as J?shin, Mantaro Koichi as Sait?, and Takashi Yamaguchi (Pachinko) as Kan?.
The Netflix hostage thriller Rabbit, Rabbit, starring Adam Driver and Regina Hall, has expanded its ensemble with around two dozen actors in recurring roles. Among the new additions are Alison Pill (The Newsroom) and Brian d’Arcy James (Evil), as reported by Deadline.
Lastly, the revival of Running Wild With Bear Grylls will premiere on Tuesday, April 21 at 9 p.m. on Fox. The series will feature eight celebrities joining Bear Grylls, including Elizabeth Banks, Rhys Darby, Colman Domingo, Tiffany Haddish, Matthew McConaughey, MGK, Michelle Monaghan, and Uma Thurman. A promotional video for the season has recently been released.
