In the realm of “Heated Rivalry,” two fresh faces are set to make their debut in Season 2. However, the unveiling of the cast lineup has triggered some backlash from fans who were anticipating a more faithful representation of body diversity from the books.
Crave officially announced on Friday that the ensemble of the immensely popular hockey romance series will be enriched in its upcoming season with the addition of Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie. Gillespie, a talent originating from New Brunswick and recently seen in the film “One Night Only,” will portray Troy Barrett, a forward for the Ottawa Centaurs. His previous appearance in the Netflix production “Julie and the Phantoms” ended after one season.
Meanwhile, Justice Smith, recognized 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. Harris and Troy are the focal characters in “Role Model,” the fifth book in Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, which serves as the basis for “Heated Rivalry.” The show’s second season will continue to follow the protagonists 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 in the casting announcement that they sought actors capable of delivering a remarkable performance and emotional depth on screen. They emphasized that Justice and Charlie demonstrated an immediate connection with the vulnerability and resilience ingrained in their characters.
Amidst the excitement surrounding the casting news, some fans have voiced disappointment regarding Smith’s portrayal of Harris, citing a missed opportunity to showcase a more diverse range of body types considered desirable on screen. BookTok content creator Taylor Layne shared her sentiments in a TikTok video, emphasizing the significance of body diversity representation, particularly in a series centered on athletic figures.
The social media platforms of Crave have been inundated with mixed reactions from fans following the casting revelations. While some fans eagerly anticipate Smith’s performance, others express a desire for greater inclusivity in body representation within romantic roles.
The producers of “Heated Rivalry” declined to provide further comments when approached by CBC News, directing attention back to the casting announcement. The upcoming season, scheduled for release in Spring 2027, has commenced filming, generating significant anticipation within the fanbase eagerly tracking the show’s progress.
