Two fresh faces will be joining the cast of the popular series “Heated Rivalry” for its upcoming Season 2. However, the announcement of Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie’s casting has sparked some backlash among fans who were anticipating a more faithful representation of body diversity from the books.
Confirmed by Crave on Friday, the expansion of the cast will feature Gillespie, originally from New Brunswick and known for his role in “One Night Only,” as Troy Barrett, a forward on the Ottawa Centaurs. Gillespie also starred in the short-lived Netflix series “Julie and the Phantoms.”
Meanwhile, Justice Smith, recognized for his appearances in “I Saw the TV Glow,” “Pokémon Detective Pikachu,” and “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” will portray Harris Drover, the social media manager for the Centaurs.
Troy and Harris are pivotal characters from Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, specifically from the fifth book titled “Role Model,” upon which “Heated Rivalry” is based. The second season is set to continue the storyline of the first season’s lead characters, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, while integrating the narrative of Troy and Harris.
Director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady expressed in the casting announcement their search for actors capable of delivering a unique performance with depth and authenticity. They praised Justice and Charlie for embodying the vulnerability and resilience of their characters, showcasing a profound understanding of Harris and Troy’s personas.
Although some fans are enthusiastic about the cast additions, others have voiced disappointment over Smith’s portrayal of Harris, citing a missed opportunity to showcase a more inclusive range of body types deemed desirable on screen. The online community’s reactions have been mixed, with some expressing support for the actors while others lament the perceived lack of representation in body diversity.
The production team of “Heated Rivalry” declined to provide comment to CBC News, referring inquiries back to the casting announcement. Despite the mixed feedback, the series creators remain optimistic about the upcoming season, which is scheduled for release in Spring 2027, with filming already underway. The fan base eagerly anticipates the unfolding developments as the show’s popularity continues to soar.