Mark Ruffalo, the star of the upcoming HBO crime drama miniseries Task, recently disclosed that he gained weight for his role by consuming many Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. This unconventional method was part of his preparation to authentically portray FBI agent Tom Brandis in the series set in Philadelphia.
The show, created by Brad Ingelsby, centers on Brandis as he leads a task force to stop a series of violent robberies orchestrated by the criminal Robbie Prendergast, played by Tom Pelphrey.
Immersing in Philadelphia’s Culture and Consulting Experts
During an interview at the All The President’s Men benefit event, Ruffalo spoke about how he immersed himself in Philadelphia’s local cuisine and culture to better understand his character’s environment. His diet heavily featured Philly cheesesteak sandwiches as part of this process.
“I ate a lot of Philly cheesesteak sandwiches,”
Ruffalo told PEOPLE.
“I just put a bunch of weight on.”
To ensure an accurate depiction of an FBI agent, Ruffalo spent significant time with FBI agent Scott Duffey.
“I spent a lot of time with FBI agent Scott Duffey,”
he explained.
“That’s about the most I did.”
He also mentioned that his current focus has shifted to promoting the series. “I’m really excited about it,” Ruffalo added.
Creator’s Vision and Casting Choices
Brad Ingelsby, known for his work on Kate Winslet’s Mare of Easttown, shared insights about the casting process for Task in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Ruffalo was the producer’s primary choice to bring Tom Brandis to life, as Ingelsby sought an actor with a very specific profile.
“The guy’s from the Northeast, he’s humble, he has a very specific perspective on life, and he has adopted children,”
Ingelsby said, highlighting traits that matched Ruffalo’s persona.
Release Details and Supporting Cast
Task is scheduled to premiere on HBO on September 7, 2025, with episodes released weekly until October 19, 2025. The series will also be available for streaming on Max. Along with starring, Ruffalo serves as an executive producer alongside Ingelsby.
The show features a diverse supporting cast including Emilia Jones, Jamie McShane, Sam Keeley, Thuso Mbedu, Fabien Frankel, Alison Oliver, Raúl Castillo, Silvia Dionicio, and Martha Plimpton.
The Anticipation Surrounding the Series
This crime drama promises to explore complex characters and intense storylines rooted in Philadelphia’s gritty backdrop. With Ruffalo’s dedication to embodying his role through authentic cultural engagement and expert consultation, Task is positioned to offer a compelling viewing experience. The collaboration between Ruffalo and Ingelsby as executive producers further suggests a series crafted with thoughtful attention to detail and storytelling.
