Two new actors have been cast for Season 2 of the popular hockey romance series, “Heated Rivalry,” but the decision has faced criticism from fans expecting more diversity in body representation. Crave recently announced that Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie will be joining the expanding cast for the upcoming season.
Charlie Gillespie, known for his role in the film “One Night Only” and the Netflix series “Julie and the Phantoms,” will portray Troy Barrett, a forward for the Ottawa Centaurs. Meanwhile, Justice Smith, recognized for his performances in various films and shows, including “Pokémon Detective Pikachu,” has been cast as Harris Drover, the social media manager for the Centaurs.
The characters of Troy and Harris are central to the fifth book, “Role Model,” in Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, on 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 also incorporating Troy and Harris’s storyline.
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, as stated in the official announcement.
The casting news has evoked mixed reactions among fans, with some expressing excitement while others are disappointed by the lack of body diversity, particularly in Smith’s portrayal of Harris. Fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts, with some highlighting the missed opportunity for inclusive representation on screen.
Despite the criticism, there is anticipation surrounding the upcoming season, set to release in Spring 2027 with filming already underway. Fans are eagerly following developments, with actors Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, who play Ilya and Shane, also gaining popularity following the show’s success.
As production progresses, fans have been urged to respect the cast and crew’s privacy during filming locations. The buzz around “Heated Rivalry” continues to grow, with fans eagerly awaiting the release of the second season.