In Season 2 of the popular hockey romance series “Heated Rivalry,” two new actors have been cast, which has led to mixed reactions among fans. Crave has announced that Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie will be joining the cast.
Charlie Gillespie, known for his role in “One Night Only,” will portray Troy Barrett, a forward on 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 central to the fifth book, “Role Model,” in Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, which serves as the inspiration for “Heated Rivalry.” The second season will continue to follow the story of Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander while incorporating Troy and Harris’s narrative.
Director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady expressed their confidence in the casting choices, emphasizing the actors’ ability to bring depth and authenticity to the characters.
While some fans are excited about the new cast additions, others have expressed disappointment over the lack of body diversity representation, particularly in the casting of Justice Smith as Harris. Fans have taken to social media to share their mixed feelings, with some highlighting the missed opportunity for inclusivity.
Despite the criticism, both actors have received support from fans and are eager to bring these characters to life on screen. The second season is set to premiere in Spring 2027, with filming already underway, generating anticipation among dedicated followers of the series.