HBO Expands 'Mare of Easttown' Universe as Julianne Nicholson Joins 'Task' Season 2

Julianne Nicholson is set to reprise her Emmy-winning role as Lori Ross from "Mare of Easttown" in the upcoming second season of HBO's detective drama "Task," according to multiple reports. The casting announcement bridges two acclaimed series from creator Brad Ingelsby.

Both shows are set in the working-class suburbs of Philadelphia, but until now were not directly connected, Variety reported. The crossover brings characters together from the two HBO dramas, TVLine noted, though the exact nature of the storyline remains under wraps.

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VarietyJulianne Nicholson Reprises 'Mare of Easttown' Role in HBO's 'Task' Season 2TVLineJulianne Nicholson to Reprise Mare of Easttown Role in Task Season 2 Crossover

"The details of how Nicholson's character will factor into the storyline remain unclear."

Season 2 of "Task" follows Tom Brandis, played by Mark Ruffalo, according to Variety. Nicholson's Detective Lori Ross appeared in all seven episodes of "Mare of Easttown," earning the actress an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series.

"The crossover brings together characters from the two acclaimed series."

The move signals a deliberate expansion of the interconnected fictional universe Ingelsby has been building on HBO. While the networks have not confirmed whether other "Mare of Easttown" characters may follow, Nicholson's return offers a direct link between the two shows for the first time.