Two fresh actors are set to join the cast of “Heated Rivalry” for its upcoming Season 2, but the casting news has stirred up some backlash from fans requesting more accurate representation of body diversity from the book. Crave officially announced that Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie will be part of the cast for the second season of the popular hockey romance series.
Gillespie, a talent from New Brunswick who recently featured in the film “One Night Only,” will portray Troy Barrett, a forward for the Ottawa Centaurs. He is also recognized for his role in the Netflix series “Julie and the Phantoms.” On the other hand, Smith, known for his appearances in “I Saw the TV Glow,” “Pokémon Detective Pikachu,” and “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” will take on the character of Harris Drover, who serves as the Centaurs’ social media manager.
The characters of Troy and Harris are pivotal in “Role Model,” the fifth installment of Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, which is the basis for the show “Heated Rivalry.” The show’s creators stated that the second season will continue following the journey of the first season’s main characters, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, while integrating the storyline of Troy and Harris.
Director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady expressed their confidence in the chosen actors, emphasizing the depth and heart they bring to the characters. They highlighted the connection Smith and Gillespie have with the vulnerability and resilience of Harris and Troy.
While some fans expressed excitement over the new cast additions, others raised concerns about the lack of body diversity representation in Smith’s portrayal of Harris. Fans shared their disappointment on social media platforms, highlighting the discrepancy between the book’s description of Harris and the actor’s appearance.
The comments on Crave’s Instagram and TikTok posts unveiling the casting decision reflect a mixed reaction among fans, with some praising Smith’s acting skills while others lamenting the missed opportunity for inclusive representation.
The second season of “Heated Rivalry” is scheduled for release in Spring 2027, with filming already underway. Fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season, closely following developments and expressing their support for the cast. Director Tierney recently urged fans to respect the cast and crew’s space during filming locations.
Overall, the casting announcement for Season 2 of “Heated Rivalry” has sparked discussions among fans, highlighting the importance of accurate representation and inclusivity in storytelling.
