The announcement of two new actors joining Season 2 of “Heated Rivalry” has sparked mixed reactions among fans. Crave confirmed that Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie will be part of the cast for the upcoming season of the popular hockey romance series.
Gillespie, known for his roles in “One Night Only” and “Julie and the Phantoms,” will portray Troy Barrett, a forward on the Ottawa Centaurs. On the other hand, Smith, recognized for his work in various films including “I Saw the TV Glow” and “Pokémon Detective Pikachu,” will take on the role of Harris Drover, the Centaurs’ social media manager.
These characters are central to the fifth book in Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, which serves as the basis for “Heated Rivalry.” The second season will continue to follow the main characters from the first season while incorporating the stories of Troy and Harris.
Director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady expressed their confidence in the actors’ ability to bring depth and heart to the characters. However, some fans have expressed disappointment over Smith’s casting as Harris, feeling it missed an opportunity for more body diversity representation on screen.
Despite the mixed reactions, filming for Season 2 has already commenced, with a scheduled release in Spring 2027. Fans eagerly anticipate the new season, following every development closely. As excitement builds, Tierney has requested fans to give the cast and crew space at filming locations.