Season 2 of the hit hockey romance series, Heated Rivalry, is welcoming two new actors to its cast, sparking mixed reactions from fans who were anticipating more representation of diverse body types. Crave announced that Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie will be joining the show’s ensemble.
Charlie Gillespie, known for his role in One Night Only and the Netflix series Julie and the Phantoms, will portray Troy Barrett, a forward on the Ottawa Centaurs. Justice Smith, recognized for his appearances 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.
The characters of Troy and Harris are central to the fifth book, Role Model, in Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series, which serves as the foundation for Heated Rivalry. The show’s creators have confirmed that the upcoming season will continue to follow the main characters from Season 1, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, while integrating the storyline of Troy and Harris.
In a statement, director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady expressed their confidence in the new cast members, emphasizing their ability to bring depth and authenticity to their roles. They praised Justice and Charlie for their immediate connection with the characters and their nuanced portrayal of Harris and Troy.
Fan Reactions
Following the casting announcement, fans have shown a range of emotions. While some are enthusiastic about the new additions, others have raised concerns about the lack of body diversity in the casting of Harris, as described in the original book.
One fan, BookTok content creator Taylor Layne, lamented the deviation from the book’s depiction of Harris, highlighting the missed opportunity for more inclusive representation on screen. Despite the disappointment, many fans acknowledged the talent of the actors and their anticipation for the show.
Comments on social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, reflect a mix of opinions, with some fans supporting the casting choices and others expressing a desire for more diverse representation.
Notably, past casting decisions for the show’s lead characters, Ilya and Shane, also faced initial backlash but ultimately led to the breakout success of the actors, Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams.
Author Rachel Reid hinted at this cycle of criticism and eventual acclaim in a recent Instagram post, suggesting that the current reservations may evolve into appreciation as the series progresses.
Smith shared his enthusiasm for the role on social media, acknowledging the fan support and expressing his dedication to portraying the character with care and respect.
The second season of Heated Rivalry is scheduled for release in Spring 2027, with filming already underway. Director Jacob Tierney has urged fans to respect the cast and crew’s space during production as anticipation for the new season continues to build.</