AceShowbiz - As the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) expanded throughout the 2010s, it consistently attracted some of the most talented actors in Hollywood. Many MCU stars have earned Oscar nominations or wins for roles outside the superhero genre, showcasing the franchise’s ability to identify exceptional talent. Among the most acclaimed Marvel actors is Mark Ruffalo, who has balanced his role as the Hulk with acclaimed performances in films like Spotlight and Poor Things over the past 16 years. Despite four Oscar nominations, a win has eluded him so far.

Another Marvel actor with multiple Oscars to his name is Mahershala Ali. Recently, Ali and Ruffalo have been brought together once again, but this time outside the MCU in a highly anticipated HBO project.

According to Deadline, Ali has joined the cast of Task Season 2. He will portray Eddie Barnes, a seasoned and respected DEA agent operating in Philadelphia. Barnes’s team is expected to come into conflict with Tom Brandis’s unit, the role reprised by Ruffalo. Brandis leads a new task force, setting the stage for high-stakes drama between the two characters.

The collaboration of Mahershala Ali and Mark Ruffalo on Task has sparked renewed interest and some frustration among fans regarding Ali’s MCU involvement. After his acclaimed portrayal of Cottonmouth in Luke Cage, Ali was poised for a larger MCU role as Blade in the reboot announced at San Diego Comic-Con 2019. However, the Blade project has been mired in development challenges, and recent rumors suggest it may have been canceled altogether. Instead, Blade may be introduced in a team-up film like Midnight Sons rather than having his own standalone movie.

With the prolonged delay in bringing Blade to the MCU, it appears unlikely that Ali and Ruffalo will share screen time within the franchise anytime soon. The Multiverse Saga is slated to conclude next year with Avengers: Secret Wars, and Blade is not expected to feature in this storyline. Meanwhile, Ruffalo continues his involvement with the MCU, appearing in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, though his future beyond the current slate remains uncertain. Secret Wars is rumored to serve as a soft reset of the MCU, potentially streamlining continuity and introducing new characters.

Marvel will likely be selective about which characters continue into its next phase. Ruffalo’s Hulk remains a fan favorite, so there is speculation he might be retained, possibly paving the way for a Blade and Hulk team-up down the line. However, this depends on the stories Marvel chooses to tell and which heroes receive focus moving forward. To maintain its vitality, the MCU will need to spotlight new faces while gradually phasing out older ones. While Ruffalo is still involved for now, his tenure in the franchise is not guaranteed indefinitely.

It would be unfortunate if Ruffalo and Ali never had the chance to interact within the MCU, as both actors possess immense talent capable of delivering a compelling dynamic between their characters. In the meantime, audiences can enjoy their performances together in Task, which was widely praised as one of 2025’s best TV shows. Task has received acclaim for its gripping storytelling and strong acting, and Ali’s addition is expected to enhance the high-stakes crime drama further.

The pairing of two acclaimed Marvel stars in a non-MCU project highlights HBO’s ability to attract top-tier talent and deliver quality programming. Watching Ali and Ruffalo navigate complex narratives on Task offers fans a glimpse of what might have been had their characters crossed paths within the Marvel universe.

What are your thoughts on Ali and Ruffalo teaming up in Task? Could the MCU still bring them together in future projects? Share your opinions and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum.