The second season of HBO’s crime drama Task is moving forward with a significantly altered ensemble. Lilli Kay, who played Frankie—the sister of Anthony “Grasso” Grasso—in the first season finale, has officially confirmed she will not return for the upcoming episodes. Her departure marks a major exit from the original cast as the series pivots toward a new narrative focus.
Kay’s announcement follows a similar confirmation from Phoebe Fox, who portrayed Sara Brandis, the daughter of Tom Brandis. On October 1, Fox revealed she would not be part of the second season, citing narrative changes that have relocated her character to a different city. These departures signal a structural shift for the Brad Ingelsby-led series, which is moving away from the specific family dynamics established in its debut season.
Despite these exits, several core cast members are set to reprise their roles. Mark Ruffalo returns as the series lead, joined by returning actors Martha Plimpton, Silvia Dionicio, and Andrew Russel.
A Shared Universe and New Antagonists
While some familiar faces are leaving, Season 2 is expanding its world through a high-profile crossover and new lead additions. Julianne Nicholson is slated to reprise her role as Lori Ross from Mare of Easttown, officially linking the two Pennsylvania-set series within a shared universe. According to reporting from TV Insider, this connection further establishes the regional investigative world Ingelsby has built for HBO.
The new season will also introduce a fresh foil for Ruffalo’s character. Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali has joined the cast as Eddie Barnes, a DEA agent. The inclusion of a high-ranking DEA official suggests a shift in the show’s central conflict, moving from the localized task force operations seen in Season 1 to a narrative involving federal drug enforcement and multi-agency friction.
Principal photography for the second season began in July 2026, with filming once again taking place on location in Pennsylvania. The first season, which premiered on September 7, 2025, consisted of seven episodes and focused on an FBI task force in the Philadelphia suburbs. The upcoming season appears designed to function as a semi-anthology, maintaining the lead investigator while refreshing the supporting cast and the nature of the criminal investigation.
