Two fresh faces are set to appear in the upcoming season of “Heated Rivalry,” stirring up mixed reactions from fans anticipating more diverse body representation. Crave officially announced the addition of Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie to the cast of the immensely popular hockey romance series.
Gillespie, a talent from New Brunswick recognized for his role in “One Night Only” and the Netflix production “Julie and the Phantoms,” will portray Troy Barrett, a forward for the Ottawa Centaurs. Meanwhile, Smith, acclaimed for his performances in “I Saw the TV Glow,” “Pokémon Detective Pikachu,” and “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” is set to take on the role of Harris Drover, the social media manager for the Centaurs.
These characters, Troy and Harris, are pivotal figures in Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, particularly featured in the fifth book titled “Role Model,” which serves as the basis for the show “Heated Rivalry.” The new season will continue to follow the journey of the first season’s main characters, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, while integrating the narrative of Troy and Harris.
Director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady emphasized the search for actors capable of bringing depth and authenticity to the characters, with both Smith and Gillespie embodying the vulnerability and strength of their respective roles.
Despite the excitement surrounding the casting news, some fans expressed disappointment over Smith’s portrayal of Harris, citing missed opportunities for more inclusive body representation on screen. BookTok creator Taylor Layne shared sentiments on TikTok about the deviation from Harris’s book description and the significance of showcasing diverse body types, especially in a setting focused on athletic individuals.
While reactions vary, fans flooded Crave’s social media platforms with a mix of enthusiasm and critique. The casting decisions for the characters Ilya and Shane also faced initial backlash, yet actors Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams have since gained immense popularity following the show’s success.
As production for the second season commences, Smith conveyed his gratitude for the support received from fans and expressed his commitment to honoring the character of Harris. The upcoming season is slated for release in Spring 2027, with filming already underway, generating anticipation among dedicated followers eagerly monitoring developments. Director Jacob Tierney has urged fans to respect the cast and crew’s space during filming activities.