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Rachel Reid Obliterates Troy & Harris’ Casting Criticism
Author Rachel Reid Defends ‘Heated Rivalry’ Season 2 Casting Choices
What’s Happening with the Popular Hockey Romance Series?
The author behind the hit hockey romance series Heated Rivalry is speaking out after some fans criticized the new actors joining the show for its second season. Rachel Reid, who wrote the original novels, took to Instagram to remind everyone that this isn’t the first time casting choices have sparked debate—and last time, the actors won everyone over.
The New Faces Joining the Ottawa Centaurs
Season 2 introduces two major new characters from Reid’s fifth Game Changers novel, Role Model:
| Actor | Character | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Charlie Gillespie | Troy Barrett | A professional hockey player traded to the Ottawa Centaurs |
| Justice Smith | Harris Drover | The team’s social media manager |
Their developing relationship drives the storyline in Role Model, and the show’s creators are excited about what these actors bring to the table.
Important Point
The showrunner and executive producer released a joint statement saying: "From the start of the casting process, we knew we were looking for actors who could create something truly special together and bring that same depth and heart to the screen. Justice and Charlie do exactly that."
Why Are Some Fans Upset?
A portion of the online fanbase has expressed disappointment about Justice Smith’s casting as Harris. Here’s the core of the criticism:
- In the books, Harris is described as chubbier than the athletic hockey players
- Some fans feel a "skinny" actor doesn’t match the character’s book description
- This follows a pattern from last summer when similar complaints arose about the casting of the main couple, Ilya and Shane
Rachel Reid’s Response: "We’ve Been Here Before"
Reid addressed the controversy directly on her Instagram story with a simple but powerful message:
"Thinking about all the people last summer who told me the casting for Ilya and Shane was wrong and bad…"
Her point? The same thing happened with the lead actors—Connor Storrie (Ilya Rozanov) and Hudson Williams (Shane Hollander)—and they ended up winning over the audience completely.
Quick Recap: Where We Left Off in Season 1
- Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) — A Russian hockey player who chooses to join the struggling Ottawa Centaurs
- Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) — Ilya’s boyfriend and teammate
- Season 1 finale: Ilya moves to Ottawa to be closer to Shane
- Season 2 setting: The Ottawa Centaurs’ locker room, with new characters Troy and Harris
Production Details for Season 2
- Renewed early — Crave picked up season 2 during season 1’s run
- HBO Max confirmed — Will continue airing the series
- Filming begins — This month
- Target release — Spring 2027
- Key crew returning: Jacob Tierney (writer/director/EP), Brendan Brady (EP), plus new co-writer Mike Goldbach
- Rachel Reid serves as consulting producer — Keeping the adaptation faithful to her vision
Summary
Rachel Reid isn’t worried about the casting backlash for Heated Rivalry season 2 because she’s seen this movie before. When the main leads were announced, critics said they were "wrong" too—but Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams proved everyone wrong with their performances. Now, showrunner Jacob Tierney and the production team stand firmly behind Charlie Gillespie and Justice Smith, praising their instant chemistry and deep understanding of Troy and Harris. Filming starts soon for a spring 2027 premiere.
FAQ
Q: What book is season 2 based on?
A: Season 2 draws from Role Model, the fifth book in Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series, which focuses on Troy Barrett and Harris Drover.
Q: Who are the main characters returning from season 1?
A: Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander return as the established couple whose move to Ottawa sets up season 2.
Q: Why are some fans unhappy about Justice Smith’s casting?
A: In the novels, Harris Drover is described as having a larger, chubbier build compared to the hockey players. Some fans feel Smith’s physique doesn’t match that description.
Q: When will season 2 be released?
A: The show is aiming for a spring 2027 release, with filming beginning this month.
Q: Is Rachel Reid involved in the show’s production?
A: Yes! She serves as a consulting producer, helping ensure the adaptation stays true to her characters and stories.
