Crave has announced that the popular hockey romance series, “Heated Rivalry,” will introduce two new actors in its upcoming Season 2, which has sparked mixed reactions among fans. Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie will be joining the cast for the new season.
Gillespie, known for his role in the movie “One Night Only” and the Netflix show “Julie and the Phantoms,” will portray Troy Barrett, a forward on the Ottawa Centaurs. Meanwhile, Justice Smith, recognized for his performances in various films, including “Pokémon Detective Pikachu,” will play the role of Harris Drover, the Centaurs’ social media manager.
The characters of Troy and Harris are pivotal in the fifth book, “Role Model,” from Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, upon which “Heated Rivalry” is based. The new season will continue to follow the main characters from the first season, 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 actors’ ability to bring depth and authenticity to the characters. Fan reactions have been divided, with some expressing excitement over the casting choices while others are disappointed with the lack of representation in body diversity on screen.
The comments on social media platforms have showcased a range of emotions from fans, with some praising the actors’ talents and others voicing concerns about the deviation from the book’s descriptions. Despite the mixed responses, the anticipation for the upcoming season remains high, with filming already underway for the scheduled Spring 2027 release.
As the production progresses, fans have been urged to respect the cast and crew’s privacy at filming locations. The series creators and actors are enthusiastic about the new season, aiming to deliver a compelling and engaging storyline for viewers.