Crave has announced the addition of Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie to the cast of Season 2 of the popular hockey romance series, Heated Rivalry. Gillespie, known for his role in One Night Only, will portray Troy Barrett, a forward on the Ottawa Centaurs. Smith, recognized for his performances in various movies, will play Harris Drover, the Centaurs’ social media manager.
The characters of Troy and Harris are central to Role Model, the fifth book in Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series, which serves as the basis for Heated Rivalry. The upcoming season will continue to follow the main characters from the first season while integrating Troy and Harris’s storyline.
Director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady expressed their confidence in the casting choices, emphasizing the actors’ ability to capture the essence of the characters with depth and heart. However, the casting announcement has drawn mixed reactions from fans. While some are excited about the new additions, others have criticized Smith’s casting as Harris, citing a missed opportunity for more inclusive representation of body types.
Fans have taken to social media platforms to share their opinions, with some expressing disappointment over the lack of diversity in body representation. Despite the criticism, many fans are eagerly anticipating the release of Season 2 in Spring 2027, with filming already underway. Director Jacob Tierney has urged fans to respect the cast and crew’s privacy during filming.
As the show’s popularity continues to grow, the controversy surrounding casting decisions reflects a broader discussion on representation and diversity in the entertainment industry. The second season of Heated Rivalry is poised to captivate audiences with its new cast members and evolving storylines.