The highly anticipated Heated Rivalry series is gearing up for its second season, and the cast announcements are creating quite a buzz. Filming has commenced in Canada and fans are eagerly awaiting the spring 2027 premiere on Crave and HBO Max.
The show, based on Rachel Reid’s Game Changers book series, has introduced two new faces to its ensemble: Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie. These actors will join the existing cast, including Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams to bring fresh energy to the screen.
Justice Smith: A Versatile Actor Taking on Harris Drover
Justice Smith is no stranger to the spotlight. Known for his breakout role as Ezekiel ‘Zeke’ Figuero in The Get Down Smith has also made a name for himself in films like the Jurassic Park series and Now You See Me: The Second Act. Gamers might recognize him from the hit video game The Quarry.
Smith’s casting as Harris Drover the social media manager for the Ottawa Centaurs hockey team, marks a significant moment for queer representation. Smith publicly came out as queer during a Black Lives Matter protest in and has been in a long-term relationship with actor Nicholas L. Ashe.
Charlie Gillespie: The Heartthrob Playing Troy Barrett
Charlie Gillespie has captured the hearts of many with his role as Luke Patterson in Julie and the Phantoms. His charming persona and musical talent have earned him a dedicated fan base. Gillespie has also appeared in films like Splitsville and Sidelined 2: Intercepted.
In Heated Rivalry season 2, Gillespie will portray Troy Barrett a professional hockey star who serves as the central protagonist and love interest in Reid’s fifth novel, Role Model.
Fan Reactions: Praise and Criticism
The announcement of the new cast members has sparked a mix of reactions from fans. While many are thrilled to see Smith and Gillespie join the series, some have expressed concerns about the accuracy of the casting, particularly regarding Smith’s physical appearance not matching the book’s description of Harris Drover.
Critics argue that Harris is described as a regular, stocky, and broader guy, contrasting with Smith’s leaner build. However, supporters highlight the importance of authentic queer representation, noting that Smith is the first Black lead cast member on the show and is openly queer.
Gillespie, on the other hand, has received widespread praise for accurately matching his character’s description. Fans are excited to see the chemistry between Smith and Gillespie unfold on screen.
The showrunner, Jacob Tierney and executive producer Brendan Brady have expressed their enthusiasm for the new cast members, stating that Smith and Gillespie bring the depth and heart required to portray Harris and Troy.
As filming progresses, the anticipation for Heated Rivalry season 2 continues to grow. With a premiere date set for April 2027 fans can look forward to another season of captivating storytelling and compelling performances.
