Two fresh faces will be added to the cast of the hit series “Heated Rivalry” for its upcoming second season, a move that has stirred mixed reactions among fans who were hoping for more representation of diverse body types. Crave announced that Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie will be joining the ensemble for the new season.
Gillespie, known for his role in the film “One Night Only” and the Netflix series “Julie and the Phantoms,” will portray Troy Barrett, a forward for the Ottawa Centaurs. Meanwhile, Smith, recognized for his performances in various productions like “I Saw the TV Glow” and “Pokémon Detective Pikachu,” will take on the role of Harris Drover, the social media manager for the Centaurs.
These characters are central to the storyline of “Role Model,” the fifth book in Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, which serves as the foundation for the show “Heated Rivalry.” The second season will continue the journeys of the main characters from the first season, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, while introducing Troy and Harris’s narrative.
Director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady expressed their confidence in the casting choices, highlighting the actors’ ability to bring depth and authenticity to their roles. The decision has, however, sparked a debate among fans, with some expressing disappointment over Smith’s casting as Harris, citing a missed opportunity for more inclusive representation of body types on screen.
While certain fans are enthusiastic about the new additions to the cast, others, like BookTok content creator Taylor Layne, have voiced concerns about the departure from the book’s description of Harris’s physique. Despite the differing opinions, fans are eagerly anticipating the release of the second season, slated for Spring 2027, with production already underway.
As the filming progresses, fans have been urged to respect the privacy of the cast and crew at shooting locations. The show’s creators remain optimistic about the upcoming season, emphasizing the dedication of the actors to bring the characters to life on screen.