Two fresh actors are set to join the cast of the popular series “Heated Rivalry” for its upcoming Season 2. However, the casting news has drawn criticism from some fans who were anticipating a more faithful representation of body diversity from the books.
Crave officially announced that Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie will be part of the expanding ensemble for the next season of the hockey romance series. Gillespie, originating from New Brunswick and known for his role in “One Night Only,” will portray Troy Barrett, a forward for the Ottawa Centaurs. He previously starred in the Netflix production “Julie and the Phantoms.” On the other hand, Justice Smith, recognized for his performances in various productions, including “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 of Troy and Harris are central to the story of “Role Model,” the fifth book in Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, upon which “Heated Rivalry” is based. The second season is expected to intertwine their narrative with the continuation of the first season’s main characters, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander.
Director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady expressed their confidence in the chosen actors’ ability to bring depth and authenticity to the characters. They emphasized the actors’ connection to the vulnerability and resilience at the core of Harris and Troy.
While some fans are thrilled about the cast additions, others have raised concerns about the lack of body inclusivity in Smith’s portrayal of Harris. BookTok content creator Taylor Layne lamented the deviation from the book’s description of Harris, emphasizing the missed opportunity for more representation of diverse body types on screen.
Comments on Crave’s social media posts unveiling the casting show a mix of excitement and disappointment among fans. Some have lauded Justice Smith’s talent while expressing regret over the missed chance for inclusive representation, while others have highlighted the success of previously controversial casting choices in the series.
The second season, slated for release in Spring 2027, has already commenced filming, generating anticipation among fans eagerly following updates. Tierney has requested fans to respect the cast and crew’s space during filming as they work on bringing the new season to life.