Two fresh faces are set to appear in the upcoming season of “Heated Rivalry,” leading to mixed reactions among fans regarding the casting choices and the representation of body diversity. Crave officially announced that Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie will be joining the cast of the popular hockey romance series for its second season.
Gillespie, originating from New Brunswick and recognized for his role in the film “One Night Only,” will portray Troy Barrett, a forward for the Ottawa Centaurs. He is also known for his previous work in the Netflix series “Julie and the Phantoms.” On the other hand, Justice Smith, renowned 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 social media manager for the Centaurs.
The characters Troy and Harris are central to the storyline of “Role Model,” the fifth book in Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, on which “Heated Rivalry” is based. The show’s second season will continue to follow the journey of the main characters Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander while incorporating the narrative 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 the characters. Fan reactions have been divided, with some expressing excitement over the new additions, while others have voiced disappointment over the lack of body inclusivity in the casting of Harris, as depicted in the book.
The comments on Crave’s social media platforms reflect a range of emotions from fans, with some highlighting their anticipation to see Justice Smith’s performance, while others lament the missed opportunity for more diverse body representation on screen. Despite the mixed reactions, the show creators stand by their casting decisions.
The second season of “Heated Rivalry” is scheduled for release in Spring 2027, with filming already underway. Fans eagerly await the new season and continue to closely follow updates on the production. Director Jacob Tierney has requested fans to respect the cast and crew’s privacy during filming.