Two fresh actors are set to join the popular series “Heated Rivalry” for its upcoming Season 2, but the casting news has stirred some backlash from fans who were anticipating more body diversity representation aligned with the original book descriptions. Crave announced on Friday that Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie will be part of the expanding cast for the second season.
Gillespie, originating from New Brunswick and recognized for his role in “One Night Only,” will portray Troy Barrett, a forward on the Ottawa Centaurs. He is also known for his appearance in the Netflix series “Julie and the Phantoms.” On the other hand, 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.
Troy and Harris are pivotal characters in Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, specifically in the fifth book titled “Role Model,” which serves as the source material for “Heated Rivalry.” The show’s second season will continue the storyline of the main characters from the first season, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, while also incorporating the narrative of Troy and Harris.
Director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady emphasized the importance of finding actors who could authentically bring depth and emotion to the characters. They expressed confidence in Justice and Charlie’s ability to embody the essence of Harris and Troy.
Despite some fans expressing excitement over the casting news, others have voiced disappointment over the decision to cast Smith as Harris, citing missed opportunities for more inclusive body representation on screen. The original book descriptions of Harris as a character with a different body type have led to mixed reactions among fans, with some feeling let down by the lack of diversity.
The online reactions to the casting announcement on Crave’s social media platforms reflect a range of opinions, with fans sharing their varying perspectives on the choices made. While some support the actors’ talents, others lament the deviation from the book’s physical descriptions.
As the production progresses for the anticipated Season 2, scheduled for release in Spring 2027, fans eagerly anticipate further developments. The filming has already commenced, generating excitement among viewers closely following the series updates. Director Jacob Tierney has urged fans to respect the cast and crew’s space during filming as they work on bringing the new season to life.