In a recent casting announcement for Season 2 of “Heated Rivalry,” two new actors, Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie, have been introduced to the popular hockey romance series, sparking mixed reactions among fans. Gillespie, known for his role in “One Night Only,” will portray Troy Barrett, a forward on the Ottawa Centaurs. Smith, recognized for his performances in various films, including “Pokémon Detective Pikachu,” will take on the role of Harris Drover, the Centaurs’ social media manager.

The characters of Troy and Harris are central to the fifth book in Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, titled “Role Model,” on which “Heated Rivalry” is based. The show’s producers expressed their confidence in the actors’ ability to bring depth and authenticity to their characters, emphasizing the emotional connection both Smith and Gillespie displayed during the casting process.

While some fans are enthusiastic about the new additions to the cast, others have raised concerns about the lack of body diversity representation in the show. Specifically, the casting of Smith as Harris has disappointed fans who were hoping to see a more inclusive portrayal of different body types on screen. Despite the mixed reactions, the producers stand by their casting decisions, focusing on the actors’ ability to embody the essence of the characters.

The upcoming season of “Heated Rivalry” is set to continue the story of Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander while incorporating the narratives of Troy and Harris. Scheduled for release in Spring 2027, filming for the new season has already commenced, generating excitement among fans eagerly following the show’s progress. As the production unfolds, director Jacob Tierney has requested fans to respect the privacy of the cast and crew during filming locations.