In the realm of “Heated Rivalry,” Season 2 is set to introduce two fresh faces, sparking mixed reactions among fans eager for greater body diversity accuracy. Crave recently announced that the popular hockey romance series will feature Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie in expanded roles.
Gillespie, originating from New Brunswick and recognized for his appearance in “One Night Only,” will portray Troy Barrett, a forward for the Ottawa Centaurs. His previous work includes a role in the Netflix series “Julie and the Phantoms.” On the other hand, Smith, renowned for his performances in various films such as “I Saw the TV Glow,” “Pokémon Detective Pikachu,” and “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” will take on the character of Harris Drover, the Centaurs’ social media manager.
These characters originate from Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, specifically from the fifth book titled “Role Model,” which serves as the foundation of the show. The second season is expected to continue the narrative of the primary characters from Season 1, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, while integrating the experiences of Troy and Harris.
Director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady emphasized the significance of selecting actors who can authentically embody the characters, praising Justice and Charlie for their ability to grasp the depth and emotion required for their roles.
However, the casting news has evoked diverging responses from fans. While some express enthusiasm for the newcomers, others voice disappointment over the selection of Smith as Harris, citing a missed opportunity for showcasing a wider range of body types on screen. The absence of body diversity representation has left certain fans disheartened, particularly those who resonated with the character of Harris from the source material.
Notably, comments on Crave’s social media platforms reflect a blend of excitement and reservations among fans. Despite the criticisms, the producers stand by their casting decisions, highlighting the positive reception that previous controversial castings received, with actors Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams gaining significant recognition following the show’s success.
As the production gears up for Season 2, fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming release in Spring 2027. The filming process has already commenced, drawing attention from dedicated followers tracking every development. Director Jacob Tierney has urged fans to respect the cast and crew’s privacy during filming, emphasizing the importance of providing them with space to work effectively.