Two fresh faces are set to appear in the upcoming Season 2 of “Heated Rivalry,” but the reveal of the cast members has stirred controversy among fans seeking more representation of diverse body types from the original book. Crave officially announced that Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie will be joining the ensemble of the immensely popular hockey romance series.
Gillespie, a talent from New Brunswick, known for his role in the film “One Night Only,” will portray Troy Barrett, a forward for the Ottawa Centaurs. He has previously showcased his acting skills in the Netflix series “Julie and the Phantoms.” On the other hand, Smith, recognized for his performances in “I Saw the TV Glow,” “Pokémon Detective Pikachu,” and “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” will take on the role of Harris Drover, the Centaurs’ social media manager.
Troy and Harris are the central characters of the fifth book, “Role Model,” in Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, on which the show “Heated Rivalry” is based. The second season will continue to follow the characters Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander from the first season while incorporating the story of Troy and Harris.
In a statement, director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady mentioned, “From the start of the casting process, we knew we were looking for actors who could create something truly special together and bring that same depth and heart to the screen.” They highlighted that Justice and Charlie perfectly embody the vulnerability and resilience of their characters.
The casting news has evoked a mixed response from fans. While some are thrilled with the new additions, others have expressed disappointment over Smith’s casting as Harris, feeling it missed an opportunity to represent a broader range of body types as portrayed in the book.
The comments on Crave’s social media posts unveiling the casting reflect a variety of opinions, with fans sharing both excitement and concerns. Despite the mixed reactions, the show’s producers have not provided further comments beyond the casting announcement.
The second season of “Heated Rivalry” is scheduled for release in Spring 2027, with filming already underway. Fans eagerly anticipate the unfolding developments, with actors Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, who initially faced backlash for their casting in the show, now enjoying newfound fame following its international success.
