Two fresh faces are set to appear in Season 2 of the popular hockey romance series, “Heated Rivalry,” but the casting news has triggered mixed reactions among fans longing for more body diversity that aligns with the books. Crave announced that Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie will be joining the cast for the upcoming season.
Gillespie, a talent from New Brunswick who recently starred in “One Night Only,” will play Troy Barrett, a forward for the Ottawa Centaurs. Meanwhile, Smith, known for his roles in various productions like “I Saw the TV Glow,” “Pokémon Detective Pikachu,” and “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” will portray Harris Drover, the Centaurs’ social media manager.
The characters of Troy and Harris are pivotal in the fifth book, “Role Model,” from Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, which serves as the inspiration for “Heated Rivalry.” The show’s second season will continue to follow the main characters from the first season, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, while incorporating the story of Troy and Harris.
Director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady expressed their confidence in the selected actors, mentioning that Justice and Charlie resonated with the essence of their characters, bringing a deep understanding to the roles.
While some fans welcomed the casting news enthusiastically, others expressed disappointment over Smith’s portrayal of Harris, citing missed opportunities for more inclusive body representation on screen. The online community is filled with a mix of emotions, with fans sharing their varied viewpoints on the casting decisions.
Despite the backlash, the production team remains focused on delivering an exceptional second season, set to premiere in Spring 2027. As filming progresses, fans are eagerly following updates and developments, showcasing their support for the show and its cast and crew.