In the latest update for Season 2 of “Heated Rivalry,” the announcement of two new cast members has stirred varied reactions among fans, particularly regarding concerns over the representation of body diversity from the original book. Crave officially disclosed that the cast of the popular hockey romance series will now include Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie.
Charlie Gillespie, a talent from New Brunswick recognized for his role in the film “One Night Only” and a previous appearance in the Netflix series “Julie and the Phantoms,” has been chosen to portray Troy Barrett, a forward for the Ottawa Centaurs. On the other hand, Justice Smith, acclaimed for his performances in various productions such as “I Saw the TV Glow,” “Pokémon Detective Pikachu,” and “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” will embody the character of Harris Drover, the social media manager for the Centaurs.
These characters, Troy and Harris, are pivotal in the narrative of “Role Model,” the fifth installment of Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, upon which the show “Heated Rivalry” is based. The upcoming season is anticipated to 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 casting choices, emphasizing the actors’ ability to bring depth and authenticity to their roles. Despite the excitement from some fans over the new additions, there have been criticisms regarding the casting of Justice Smith as Harris, with concerns raised about a missed opportunity for showcasing more diverse body types on screen.
Fans have taken to social media to share their mixed feelings, with some expressing disappointment at the lack of body inclusivity in the casting. However, supporters of the actors have also voiced their enthusiasm for the upcoming season. The second season of “Heated Rivalry” is expected to premiere in Spring 2027, and production has already commenced.
As filming progresses, fans have been urged to respect the cast and crew’s space at filming locations by director Jacob Tierney. The ongoing developments surrounding the series continue to captivate fans eagerly awaiting the release of the new season.