Two fresh actors are set to join the cast of the popular series “Heated Rivalry” for its upcoming Season 2, but the announcement of their roles has stirred some concern among fans longing for more accurate representation of body diversity from the books. Crave officially disclosed that Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie will be part of the expanded lineup for the next season of the beloved hockey romance show.
Hailing from New Brunswick and known for his appearance in the film “One Night Only,” Gillespie is slated to portray Troy Barrett, a forward on the Ottawa Centaurs. He previously starred in the Netflix series “Julie and the Phantoms.” On the other hand, Justice Smith, recognized 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 Centaurs’ social media manager.
Troy and Harris play pivotal roles in “Role Model,” the fifth installment of Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, upon which “Heated Rivalry” is based. The show’s second season will continue to follow the main characters from the first season, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, while incorporating the storyline of Troy and Harris. Director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady expressed their confidence in the actors chosen, emphasizing their ability to bring depth and authenticity to the characters.
The fan response to the casting announcement has been mixed, with some expressing excitement while others voicing disappointment over the choice of Smith for the role of Harris. Concerns were raised about the lack of inclusivity in representing diverse body types as described in the book. Fans shared their thoughts on social media platforms, highlighting both anticipation and reservations regarding the upcoming season.
Production for Season 2 is already underway, with a scheduled release in Spring 2027. Fans eagerly await further updates as filming progresses. Director Jacob Tierney has urged fans to respect the cast and crew’s space during the filming process.