In the realm of “Heated Rivalry,” two fresh talents are set to make their debut in Season 2. However, the unveiling of Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie as new additions to the cast has stirred some backlash from fans longing for more faithful representation of body types from the books.
Crave officially announced that the ensemble of the immensely popular hockey romance will be broadening in the upcoming season with the inclusion of Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie. Gillespie, originating from New Brunswick and renowned for his recent appearance in the film “One Night Only,” will portray Troy Barrett, a forward for the Ottawa Centaurs. He previously showcased his skills in the Netflix series “Julie and the Phantoms,” which unfortunately concluded after just one season.
Smith, recognized for his roles in “I Saw the TV Glow,” “Pokémon Detective Pikachu,” and “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” will step into the shoes of Harris Drover, the Centaurs’ social media manager. Troy and Harris are pivotal characters in “Role Model,” the fifth book in Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, upon which the show “Heated Rivalry” is based. It has been confirmed by Crave that the second season will continue to follow 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 in the casting announcement their intention to cast actors who can deliver a remarkable performance and bring depth and heart to the characters. They praised Justice and Charlie for their immediate connection with the essence of the roles of Harris and Troy.
Despite the excitement from some fans regarding the casting news, others have voiced disappointment over Smith’s portrayal of Harris, citing a missed opportunity to showcase a more inclusive range of body types on screen. Fans have expressed mixed feelings on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, with some praising Smith’s talent while others lamenting the deviation from the book’s depiction of the character Harris.
The upcoming season of “Heated Rivalry” is scheduled for release in Spring 2027, with filming already underway, generating significant anticipation among followers eagerly tracking the progress. Tierney has urged fans to respect the cast and crew’s privacy during filming locations.