Crave has unveiled the latest additions to the cast of the popular hockey romance series, “Heated Rivalry,” for its upcoming Season 2. The announcement of Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie joining the show has sparked mixed reactions among fans, particularly concerning the representation of body diversity from the original book.
Charlie Gillespie, known for his role in “One Night Only,” will portray Troy Barrett, a forward for the Ottawa Centaurs. Justice Smith, recognized for his appearances in various films and TV shows, will play Harris Drover, the Centaurs’ social media manager. The characters of Troy and Harris are pivotal figures in Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, specifically in the fifth book titled “Role Model,” which serves as the basis for “Heated Rivalry.”
Director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady expressed their confidence in the new cast members, emphasizing their ability to bring depth and authenticity to the characters of Harris and Troy. While some fans have welcomed the casting news with enthusiasm, others have raised concerns about Smith’s portrayal of Harris, citing missed opportunities for more inclusive representation of diverse body types on screen.
BookTok content creator Taylor Layne shared disappointment over the deviation from the physical description of Harris in the book, expressing a desire to see more body diversity, especially in a series centered around athletic characters. Fans have taken to social media platforms to express their conflicting views on the casting choices, with some praising Smith’s talent while others lament the lack of representation for different body types in romantic roles.
The producers of “Heated Rivalry” declined to provide further comment when approached by CBC News, directing attention to the official casting announcement. Despite the controversy surrounding the casting decisions, the show’s creators remain committed to delivering a compelling narrative in the upcoming season, set to premiere in Spring 2027. Fans eagerly anticipate the continuation of the series, closely following the progress of filming and eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the saga of Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander.
