Two fresh faces are set to appear in the upcoming season of the hit series, “Heated Rivalry,” but the casting news has stirred some controversy among fans seeking more representation of diverse body types as depicted in the original books.
Crave officially announced the expansion of the cast for the second season, revealing that Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie will join the ensemble. Gillespie, originating from New Brunswick and known for his recent role in the film “One Night Only,” will portray Troy Barrett, a forward with the Ottawa Centaurs. He also gained recognition for his appearance in the Netflix series “Julie and the Phantoms,” which was discontinued after its first season.
Smith, acclaimed for his performances 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 pivotal in “Role Model,” the fifth installment in Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, which serves as the foundation for the show “Heated Rivalry.” The second season will continue the narrative of the main characters from the first season, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, while incorporating the story of Troy and Harris.
In a statement accompanying the casting announcement, director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady emphasized the importance of finding actors who could authentically portray the characters and bring depth to the screen. They praised Justice and Charlie for their immediate connection with the essence of Harris and Troy.
While some fans expressed enthusiasm over the casting news, others voiced disappointment regarding Smith’s portrayal of Harris. They believe it missed an opportunity to showcase a more inclusive range of body types as described in the original source material.
On social media platforms, fans shared mixed reactions to the news. Some praised Smith’s talent, while others expressed a desire for greater representation of diverse body shapes within romantic roles.
The producers of “Heated Rivalry” declined to provide further comment when contacted by CBC News, referring back to the initial casting announcement.
The second season is scheduled for release in Spring 2027, with filming already underway. The production team has requested fans to respect the cast and crew’s privacy during filming as excitement builds for the upcoming season.