In the realm of “Heated Rivalry,” two fresh faces are set to join the cast for Season 2, but the casting news has stirred mixed reactions among fans seeking more faithful representation of body diversity from the books. Crave recently announced that Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie will be stepping into the limelight for the highly popular hockey romance series.
Gillespie, a talent from New Brunswick recognized for his appearance in “One Night Only,” will be portraying Troy Barrett, a forward for the Ottawa Centaurs. Meanwhile, Smith, acclaimed for his roles in “I Saw the TV Glow,” “Pokémon Detective Pikachu,” and “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” is set to take on the character of Harris Drover, the Centaurs’ social media manager.
Troy and Harris take center stage in “Role Model,” the fifth installment of Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, which serves as the foundation for the show “Heated Rivalry.” The upcoming season is expected to continue following the journey of the first season’s main characters Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander while incorporating the narrative of Troy and Harris.
Director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady expressed their confidence in the chosen actors, highlighting their ability to bring depth and authenticity to the characters of Harris and Troy. The duo emphasized the actors’ immediate connection with the characters’ vulnerability and resilience.
The announcement of Smith as Harris has generated disappointment among some fans who were anticipating a more inclusive portrayal of body types on screen. Concerns were raised over the deviation from the book’s description of Harris as a character embodying certain physical attributes. Fans expressed a desire for more representation of diverse body types, especially in a series centered around athletic figures.
While reactions from fans have been mixed, with some eagerly anticipating Smith’s performance, others have lamented the missed opportunity for greater inclusivity in casting choices. The discussion on platforms like Instagram and TikTok reflects a range of sentiments from fans, highlighting the importance of representation in media.
The producers of “Heated Rivalry” declined to comment when approached by CBC News, redirecting inquiries to the casting announcement. Despite the mixed reactions, the show’s creators and cast members are gearing up for the release of the second season in Spring 2027, with filming already underway. Fans are eagerly awaiting the new season, eagerly following updates and developments as the series progresses.