Two fresh talents have been announced to join the upcoming Season 2 of the popular series, “Heated Rivalry,” triggering mixed reactions from fans who were anticipating a more faithful representation of body diversity from the original books.
Crave officially disclosed that Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie will be part of the expanding cast for the next season of the beloved hockey romance. Gillespie, a native of New Brunswick and a familiar face from the film “One Night Only,” is set to portray Troy Barrett, a forward for the Ottawa Centaurs. Notably, he previously showcased his talent in the Netflix series “Julie and the Phantoms,” which unfortunately ended after its first season.
Meanwhile, Justice Smith, recognized for his roles in “I Saw the TV Glow,” “Pokémon Detective Pikachu,” and “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” will be taking on the character of Harris Drover, the social media manager for the Centaurs.
The characters of Troy and Harris are pivotal in “Role Model,” the fifth book in Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, upon which “Heated Rivalry” is based. Crave has assured fans that the upcoming season will continue to follow the journey of the main characters from the first season, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, while intertwining the storyline of Troy and Harris.
Director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady expressed their enthusiasm for the new cast members, emphasizing the depth and authenticity they bring to the characters. They highlighted the immediate connection Justice and Charlie had with the essence of Harris and Troy, praising their portrayal of vulnerability and resilience.
The announcement has evoked a divided response from fans, with some eagerly anticipating the new additions while others expressing disappointment over the casting of Justice Smith as Harris. Critics argue that the portrayal deviates from the book’s description of Harris as a character with a different body type, missing an opportunity for more inclusive representation on screen.
Despite the mixed reactions, fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the second season in Spring 2027, as filming is already underway. The behind-the-scenes buzz has captivated fans, with notable actors Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, from the first season, gaining immense popularity following the show’s global success.
Amidst the fervor surrounding the series, director Jacob Tierney has appealed to fans to respect the cast and crew’s space during filming, as the anticipation for the upcoming season continues to build.