In the realm of “Heated Rivalry,” two fresh faces are set to grace the screen in Season 2. However, the casting news has stirred a wave of critique from fans longing for a more faithful representation of body diversity as depicted in the book.
Crave officially announced that the ensemble of the widely adored hockey romance series will be broadening with the addition of Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie. Gillespie, originating from New Brunswick and recognized for his recent appearance in “One Night Only,” will take on the role of Troy Barrett, a forward for the Ottawa Centaurs. Notably, Gillespie previously starred in the short-lived Netflix series “Julie and the Phantoms.”
Meanwhile, Smith, acclaimed for his performances in “I Saw the TV Glow,” “Pokémon Detective Pikachu,” and “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” will portray Harris Drover, the social media manager for the Centaurs. These characters serve as the focal point in “Role Model,” the fifth installment in Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, which serves as the inspiration for the show “Heated Rivalry.” The show’s second season will continue to follow the journey of the main characters from the first season, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, while intertwining the narrative of Troy and Harris.
Director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady expressed their expectations for the cast, emphasizing the need for actors who could authentically embody the characters and bring depth to the storyline.
The casting decision, however, has evoked mixed reactions from fans. While some are thrilled by the news, others are disheartened by Smith’s portrayal of Harris, feeling it missed an opportunity to display a wider range of body types on screen. The absence of body diversity, especially in a narrative centered on athletic figures, has left certain fans feeling unrepresented despite acknowledging Smith’s talent.
Comments on Crave’s social media platforms reflect a range of sentiments, with some praising Smith’s acting prowess while others lament the lack of body inclusivity. Notably, the casting of the characters Ilya and Shane also faced backlash initially, but the actors, Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, have since garnered immense popularity following the show’s success.
As filming for the second season commences, fans eagerly anticipate its release in Spring 2027. Tierney has urged fans to respect the cast and crew’s privacy during filming, as the anticipation for the upcoming season continues to grow.
