Two fresh talents are set to join the cast of “Heated Rivalry” for its second season, stirring diverse reactions from fans anticipating more accurate body representation. Crave officially announced the expansion of the cast, introducing Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie to the popular hockey romance series.
Gillespie, a native of New Brunswick known for his role in “One Night Only,” will portray Troy Barrett, a forward for the Ottawa Centaurs. He previously starred in the short-lived Netflix series “Julie and the Phantoms.” On the other hand, Justice Smith, recognized for his performances in various films like “I Saw the TV Glow” and “Pokémon Detective Pikachu,” will take on the role of Harris Drover, the social media manager for the Centaurs.
The characters of Troy and Harris are central to “Role Model,” the fifth book in Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, upon which “Heated Rivalry” is based. The upcoming season will continue following the journey of the first season’s main characters, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, while integrating the storyline of Troy and Harris.
Director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady expressed their confidence in the chosen actors, emphasizing their ability to bring depth and authenticity to the characters. They highlighted the strong connection Justice and Charlie demonstrated with the vulnerability and resilience inherent in the roles of Harris and Troy.
Although some fans welcomed the casting news enthusiastically, others expressed disappointment over Justice Smith’s selection as Harris, citing a missed opportunity for more inclusive portrayal of body types on screen. The discussion sparked by this casting decision has been a topic of debate among fans on various social media platforms, reflecting a mix of excitement and concern.
As the production gears up for the release of the second season in Spring 2027, the fervor among fans continues to grow. The filming process, already underway, has attracted significant attention, with fans eagerly tracking every development. Amid the buzz, director Jacob Tierney recently appealed for space and respect for the cast and crew during filming activities.
