For a couple of years now, “Mare Of Easttown” and “Task” creator Brad Ingelsby has teased that his two shows exist in the same universe, and therefore, there’s potential for a crossover. Now, according to Variety, that’s true, as Julianne Nicholson will reprise her role from “Mare Of Easttown” in the upcoming second season of “Task.” But will Kate Winslet‘s title character show up? That remains to be seen.
Still, Nicholson’s return as Easttown mother Lori Ross (a role for which she won an Emmy) hints that a team-up between Winslet’s Mare Sheehan and “Task” protagonist Tom Brandis, played by Mark Ruffalo, may be closer than we think. However, whether Ross plays an integral role in the plot of “Task” Season 2 or is a mere cameo appearance for Nicholson also remains to be seen. That’s due to the vague logline available for S2 of the series: “Tom Brandis takes the helm of a new task force, but the deeper the operation runs, the harder it is to tell who’s the target.” That operation will ostensibly deal with Easttown and Ross in some capacity, but it’s unclear how. One would surmise that “Task” S2 won’t investigate Lori Ross’ family again; one of the character’s three children becomes the subject of a murder investigation in “Mare Of Easttown.”
In any case, Nicholson joins a supporting cast on “Task” S2 that includes Mahershala Ali, Harry Melling, Adam Nagaitis, Aminah Nieves, and Edgar Ramirez. And there may be more casting announcements soon, as Ingelsby just started shooting the new season in Pennsylvania earlier this month. Stay tuned for an official premiere date for “Task” S2 from HBO, likely in mid-late 2027.
As for a new season of “Mare Of Easttown,” Winslet teased back in January that it could shoot as soon as next year. “There’s a strong likelihood it would film sometime in 2027,” the actress told Deadline in the interview, but she and Ingelsby will “only do it again if the story’s compelling enough.” Like Nicholson, Winslet also won an Emmy for her starring role in “Mare Of Easttown,” her second Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Series Or Movie win for an HBO series; the first was for Todd Haynes‘ “Mildred Pierce” back in 2011.
Meanwhile, Nicholson adds “Task” S2 to a list of recent projects that includes “Hacks,” Hulu‘s “Paradise,” and BBC‘s “Dope Girls.” She also has a key role in the upcoming Edward Berger movie “The Riders” opposite Brad Pitt. A24 will likely have that film in theaters in times for awards season, and after a probable festival world premiere.
Stay tuned for more details on “Task,” and whether or not “Mare Of Easttown” S2 will happen, as they arrive.
