The Crave Original series Heated Rivalry is expanding its Season 2 cast by adding five new actors, according to Bell Media’s Crave. Emily Hampshire, Edvin Ryding, Robert Naylor, Sabrina Jalees, and Priyanka will join returning cast members Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, Justice Smith, and Charlie Gillespie for the second season, which is confirmed to premiere in spring 2027 on HBO Max in the U.S., Australia, Europe (excluding the UK, Ireland, Spain, and Turkey), Latin America, and selected Asian territories.
Casting Details for Season 2 Characters
According to the casting announcement, the expansion answers long-standing online speculation regarding the role of Wyatt Hayes, a popular character from Rachel Reid’s Game Changers book series. Robert Naylor has been tapped to play Hayes, who serves as the starting goaltender for the Ottawa Centaurs in the source material. Additionally, Emily Hampshire will portray Vanessa, Edvin Ryding joins as Luca Haas, Sabrina Jalees takes on the role of Farah Jalali, and Priyanka portrays Tarek.
Expanding the Game Changers Adaptation
Season 2 will continue the story of hockey players Shane Hollander, played by Williams, and Ilya Rozanov, played by Storrie, by tackling Book 6 of Rachel Reid’s series, The Long Game, according to creator Jacob Tierney. Season 1 adapted Book 2, Heated Rivalry, while incorporating elements from Book 1, Game Changer. In addition to continuing Shane and Ilya’s narrative, Season 2 will introduce a new couple by adapting Book 5, Role Model. Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie will star as this new couple, playing Harris Drover and Troy Barrett respectively.
Did you know?
Season 1 of Heated Rivalry focused on the years-long journey of love, denial, and self-discovery between rookies Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, as outlined in the official logline.
Production and Creative Team
The series is produced by Accent Aigu Entertainment in association with Bell Media’s Crave, with participation from the Canada Media Fund. Jacob Tierney serves as writer, director, and executive producer, working alongside executive producers Brady and Jayme Alter Wilson. Lori Fischburg and Liane Cunje produce the series, while author Rachel Reid acts as a consulting producer and Mike Goldbach serves as co-writer for Season 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Heated Rivalry Season 2 premiere?
Season 2 is confirmed to premiere in spring 2027.
Who is playing Wyatt Hayes in Season 2?
Robert Naylor has been cast as Wyatt Hayes, the starting goaltender for the Ottawa Centaurs.
Which books are being adapted in Season 2?
Season 2 will adapt Book 6, The Long Game, and Book 5, Role Model, from Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series.
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