Mark Ruffalo has returned to television in the new HBO miniseries Task, which currently holds an 89% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Known globally as the Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Ruffalo is once again showing his dramatic range in a role that has already earned him critical acclaim.
Why Mark Ruffalo Was the Perfect Choice
In an interview with ScreenRant, Task creator Brad Ingelsby explained why Ruffalo was always at the top of the casting list for the role of Tom, an FBI agent facing a personal and professional crisis. Ingelsby praised Ruffalo’s ability to embody the character’s qualities:
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Kindness, compassion, and inclusivity
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Believability as a Northeast-born priest-turned-agent
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Accessibility to audiences, having previously played law enforcement roles
Ingelsby added:
“Mark can do everything. He succeeded tremendously in pulling off a tough part filled with emotional challenges.”
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Ruffalo’s Role in Task
Ruffalo’s character Tom is a man adrift in crisis, balancing the responsibility of leading a team, maintaining professionalism, and navigating personal struggles, including forgiving his son. The emotional complexity of the role required an actor with depth, and critics agree that Ruffalo has excelled.
Critical Reception and Comparisons
With only one episode aired so far, Task has already drawn positive reviews, with Ruffalo singled out for his remarkable performance. Created by Ingelsby, who also made the award-winning Mare of Easttown, the series is drawing comparisons to that acclaimed drama, raising expectations that Task may follow a similar awards trajectory.
Cast and Future Episodes
Alongside Ruffalo, the series stars Tom Pelphrey, Emilia Jones, Thuso Mbedu, Raúl Castillo, Jamie McShane, Sam Keeley, Fabien Frankel, Alison Oliver, Silvia Dionicio, and Martha Plimpton. With six episodes left to air, the show has significant potential to build word-of-mouth buzz and expand its audience.
Our Take on Ruffalo’s Performance
Ruffalo has consistently proven his versatility, from his MCU role as Bruce Banner/Hulk to award-winning performances in I Know This Much Is True and The Normal Heart. With Task, he once again demonstrates his ability to bring emotional intensity and nuance to television, making him a strong contender for future award nominations.
Task airs Sundays at 9 p.m. EDT on HBO.
