In the realm of “Heated Rivalry,” two fresh faces are set to grace the scene for Season 2, although the unveiling of the cast has triggered some backlash among fans seeking greater body diversity alignment with the books. Crave officially disclosed that the ensemble of the immensely popular hockey romance will be broadening in its upcoming season to feature Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie.
Gillespie, originating from New Brunswick and recently seen in the film “One Night Only,” has been chosen to portray Troy Barrett, a forward for the Ottawa Centaurs. He previously showcased his talent in the Netflix series “Julie and the Phantoms,” which was abruptly canceled after its inaugural season.
Smith, recognized for his roles in “I Saw the TV Glow,” “Pokémon Detective Pikachu,” and “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” will undertake the role of Harris Drover, the social media manager for the Centaurs.
Troy and Harris serve as the central figures in “Role Model,” the fifth installment in Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, upon which the show “Heated Rivalry” is based. Crave has affirmed that the upcoming season will continue to focus on the primary characters from the first season, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, while integrating the narrative of Troy and Harris.
Director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady expressed in the casting announcement their quest for actors capable of crafting a special bond on screen, embodying the depth and heart of their respective characters. They lauded Justice and Charlie for their ability to grasp the vulnerability and resilience at the core of Harris and Troy.
In response to the casting reveal, fans exhibited a mixed array of emotions. While some expressed enthusiasm, others voiced disappointment over Smith’s casting as Harris, citing missed opportunities for inclusive representation of various body types on screen. The discussions on Crave’s Instagram and TikTok platforms unveiling the casting showcased a blend of reactions from fans.
Smith shared his eagerness to delve into the role through an Instagram story post, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support and care from fans. The second season, scheduled for release in Spring 2027, has commenced filming, generating excitement among dedicated followers closely monitoring each development. Amidst the ongoing shooting, Tierney urged fans to respect the privacy of the cast and crew at filming locations.
