Two fresh faces are set to appear in the upcoming season of the popular series “Heated Rivalry,” but the casting news has triggered some backlash from fans seeking more diverse body representation. Crave announced on Friday that Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie will be joining the cast for the second season.
Gillespie, known for his role in the film “One Night Only,” will portray Troy Barrett, a forward on the Ottawa Centaurs. He previously starred in the Netflix series “Julie and the Phantoms.” On the other hand, Smith, recognized for his performances in “I Saw the TV Glow,” “Pokémon Detective Pikachu,” and “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” will take on the role of Harris Drover, the Centaurs’ social media manager.
Harris and Troy are the central characters in “Role Model,” the fifth book in Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” series, which serves as the basis for “Heated Rivalry.” The new season will continue to follow the storyline of the main characters from the first season while incorporating the journey of Troy and Harris.
Director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady expressed their confidence in the casting choices, stating that Justice and Charlie have connected well with the essence of their characters and will bring depth and heart to the screen.
The announcement has elicited mixed reactions from fans. While some are thrilled about the new additions, others are disappointed with Smith’s casting as Harris, citing a missed opportunity for more body diversity representation on screen. Concerns have been raised about the deviation from the book’s description of Harris and the impact on inclusivity in portraying different body types as desirable.
The comments on Crave’s social media posts unveiling the casting reflect a range of opinions, with fans expressing both excitement and reservations. Despite the criticism, the show’s creators remain optimistic about the upcoming season and the performances of the actors.
The second season of “Heated Rivalry” is scheduled for release in Spring 2027, with filming already underway. The production team has urged fans to respect the cast and crew’s space during filming as anticipation for the new season continues to build.
