Tom Pelphrey reveals how Task shaped his career and nearly landed him Professor X

Tom Pelphrey is reflecting on his Emmy-nominated performance in HBO’s Task, his personal connection to the character and his recent run for the role of Professor X in Marvel Studios’ upcoming X-Men reboot.

Pelphrey, who plays struggling father Robbie Prendergast in Task, said becoming a father shortly before reading the series helped him understand the character’s devotion to his children on a deeper level. Robbie is a working-class single father who turns to crime while trying to secure a better future for his family.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Pelphrey said the role arrived at a meaningful point in his life and described the connection between his experiences and Robbie’s story as something he could not have planned.

The actor also revealed that he was a runner-up to play Charles Xavier, also known as Professor X, in director Jake Schreier’s upcoming X-Men movie. Although he did not land the Marvel role, Pelphrey said he was grateful to have been considered for such a major part.

Pelphrey joked that missing out on Professor X also means he will not have to deal with the character’s famously bald appearance. The actor said his head is large enough that shaving it could create an unusual look.

The Ozark and Banshee star also reflected on his career, saying years of working in television, film and theatre have given him a greater appreciation for opportunities that come his way.

Pelphrey said he now tries not to view unsuccessful auditions as failures, believing that one opportunity closing can lead to another. He also praised Task creator Brad Ingelsby for exploring financial struggles facing working-class families.