Full Breakdown
Task Season 2 Returns to Philadelphia’s Wissahickon Valley Park
8/1/2026, 3:19:13 PM
Core Production Details
Production crews for HBO’s crime drama Task are filming season two in Wissahickon Valley Park. The shoot runs for a week in early August; the Forbidden Drive trail stays open while specific sections close. The Bells Mill West Lot is closed to parking for day 1 and reopens day 2; the Bells Mill East Lot serves as an alternative. Access to the Manatawna Avenue entrance is unavailable for two days, with visitors redirected to the Houston Meadow entrance and the Yellow Trail. Signage warns hikers of equipment and advises slower movement. An interactive map is provided for navigating the changes.
Casting Updates and Crossover
Mark Ruffalo returns as FBI agent Tom Brandis, now leading a new task force. Mahershala Ali joins as DEA agent Eddie Barnes. Returning cast includes:
- Martha Plimpton as FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Kathleen McGinty.
- Silvia Dionicio as Emily Brandis, Brandis’s adopted daughter.
- Julianne Nicholson as Lori Ross from *Mare of Easttown*, confirming an official crossover.
Newcomers include Harry Melling, Adam Nagaitis, Aminah Nieves, Edgar Ramírez, and Nataly Zamora.
Background & Context
*Task* began as a limited series and was extended after a strong first season. Creator Brad Ingelsby, also behind *Mare of Easttown*, serves as writer, showrunner, and executive producer with Paul Lee, Mark Roybal, Jeremiah Zagar, and Ron Schmidt. The first season filmed at locations such as Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard (Collingdale) and Marsh Creek State Park (Downingtown).
Data & Statistics
- The series received $49.8 million in Pennsylvania tax credits, the largest single-production credit in state history.
- Wissahickon Valley Park covers 2,000 acres; Forbidden Drive is a 5.3-mile trail.
- The first season earned six Emmy nominations and holds a 96 % Rotten Tomatoes rating (audience 77 % on Popcornmeter).
- Viewership placed *Task* among HBO’s top three fastest-growing freshman seasons.
Official Statements & Responses
Friends of the Wissahickon posted a notice outlining the filming schedule and closures. HBO’s production notes confirm the park will backdrop key action sequences and that the series remains fully shot in southeastern Pennsylvania. Deadline reported the crossover was confirmed through Julianne Nicholson’s casting.
On-the-Ground Reports
Visitors note temporary signage along Forbidden Drive indicating equipment locations and “slow ahead” warnings. The interactive map helps hikers plan alternate routes around closed sections.
Why It Matters
The tax credit highlights Pennsylvania’s role as a production hub and provides economic stimulus to local communities. The crossover links two acclaimed series, expanding audience overlap and reinforcing regional representation in premium television.
What’s Next
No premiere date has been announced, though production continues in Pennsylvania and the series is expected to return in 2027. Continued local filming suggests additional regional landmarks will appear in upcoming episodes.
