Mark Ruffalo underwent a significant transformation to capture the authentic Pennsylvania accent in HBO’s new drama series Task. The show, set in eastern Pennsylvania, follows Ruffalo’s character Tom, a grieving priest turned FBI agent, as he investigates a series of Philadelphia–area robberies. To convincingly portray a native of Delaware County, Ruffalo and his fellow cast members worked rigorously on perfecting the local dialect, a process that proved to be both demanding and essential.
Working with Susanne Sulby to Achieve Authenticity
The cast collaborated closely with Susanne Sulby, the dialect coach who previously helped shape the accents in HBO’s Mare of Easttown. Ruffalo praised Sulby’s dedication, sharing that she spent extensive hours coaching the actors and was present on set daily to maintain the consistency of the accent throughout filming. Sulby’s experience with Easttown’s distinct sound helped the cast immerse themselves fully in the world of Task.
“She comes from that tradition, and she was an amazing dialect coach. She worked with everybody, and spent hours and hours and hours with us,”
Ruffalo recalled.
“She was with us every day on set. She really helped create that world in an auditory sort of way.”
—Mark Ruffalo, actor
Complexity and Distinctiveness of the Pennsylvania Accent
The Pennsylvania accent featured in Task is described by Ruffalo as one of the most challenging he has encountered, blending elements from northern, southern, and mid-Atlantic speech patterns. This combination creates a unique and complex dialect that, at times, can feel disorienting to learn and perform.
“There’s nothing like it. It’s like the north meets the south, with a mid-Atlantic, it’s the craziest dialect I’ve ever heard,”
Ruffalo said, emphasizing the difficulty actors faced in mastering the accent.
He also noted the challenge of internalizing the dialect:
“As soon as you get it, it feels like you’re in New York or in the south or somewhere you’re not supposed to be,”
yet the effort was worthwhile for the immersive and authentic result.
Ensemble Cast Portraying Pennsylvania Natives
Apart from Ruffalo’s role as Tom, the series’ cast includes a diverse group of characters, each embodying distinctive aspects of the region. Tom Pelphrey plays Robbie, a small-time burglary ring leader; Emilia Jones is Maeve, Robbie’s niece; Martha Plimpton portrays a tough and witty police chief; and Fabien Frankel appears as Anthony, an Italian–American character with a fiery temperament. Each actor’s dedication to mastering the Pennsylvania dialect added a layer of realism to their performances, enhancing the story’s credibility.
Brad Ingelsby’s Vision Rooted in His Pennsylvania Origins
The series’ creator, Brad Ingelsby, imbued Task and Mare of Easttown with authentic regional details inspired by his own upbringing in eastern Pennsylvania. This grounding in local culture, language, and grit brings a fresh perspective to the crime drama genre, emphasizing the complex humanity of characters facing intense challenges.
Emotional Depth and Intensity of the Series
Ruffalo describes Task as a show with strong emotional resonance and suspenseful storytelling. The series, consisting of seven episodes, balances gripping plot developments with deeply moving character moments, setting it apart from typical police and crime shows.
“It’s got a great pulse. It’s moving, it’s exciting,”
Ruffalo said.
“And at the same time, yes, you’re going to get your heart torn out!”
—Mark Ruffalo, actor
What Audiences Can Expect from Task
Debuting on HBO, Task features a talented ensemble including Thuso Mbedu, Alison Oliver, Raúl Castillo, Sam Keeley, and Jamie McShane. Their collective efforts, combined with the painstaking work on dialect and character detail, result in a series that is both authentic and emotionally compelling. Viewers can anticipate a gripping, well-crafted drama that shines a spotlight on Pennsylvania’s distinct culture and the complexities of its people.
