Two fresh faces are set to appear in the upcoming season of “Heated Rivalry,” but the cast announcement for Season 2 has triggered some backlash from fans longing for more body diversity in line with the books.
Crave has officially announced that Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie will be joining the cast of the immensely popular hockey romance series. Gillespie, a talent from New Brunswick known for his role in “One Night Only” and the Netflix series “Julie and the Phantoms,” will portray Troy Barrett, a forward for the Ottawa Centaurs. Smith, recognized for his performances in “I Saw the TV Glow,” “Pokémon Detective Pikachu,” and “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” is set to play Harris Drover, the social media manager for the Centaurs.
Troy and Harris take center stage in “Role Model,” the fifth installment of Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, upon which the show “Heated Rivalry” is based. Crave has confirmed that the second season will continue following the journey of Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander from the first season, intertwining the narrative of Troy and Harris.
Director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady expressed their vision for the casting process, emphasizing the search for actors capable of delivering a profound and heartfelt performance on screen. They highlighted the immediate connection that Justice and Charlie brought to the vulnerable and resilient essence of their characters.
While many fans are eagerly anticipating the new additions to the cast, some have raised concerns over Smith’s portrayal of Harris, citing a missed opportunity for more inclusive representation of diverse body types. Fans expressed disappointment over the departure from the book’s description of Harris as a character with specific physical attributes.
Comments on Crave’s social media platforms have showcased a mix of reactions from fans. While some lauded Justice Smith’s acting prowess, others lamented the lack of representation of diverse body types in romantic roles.
Reid hinted at the ongoing debate surrounding casting choices, drawing parallels to the initial controversy over the casting of Ilya and Shane. The author shared a reflective post on Instagram, pondering the reactions to past casting decisions.
Smith shared his enthusiasm for the role through a heartfelt Instagram story, acknowledging the overwhelming support from fans and expressing his commitment to portraying the character with care and respect.
The highly anticipated second season is scheduled for release in Spring 2027, with filming already underway. Fans have been eagerly tracking developments, with sightings of cast members like Storrie and Williams generating excitement among the audience. Director Tierney has urged fans to respect the cast and crew’s space during filming locations.