Justice Smith Responds to Casting in Heated Rivalry

Actor Justice Smith addressed online fan reactions on Instagram after being cast as Harris Drover in the second season of Crave and HBO Max’s hit series Heated Rivalry. The casting decision sparked immediate debate across social media, drawing commentary from both devoted book fans and series author Rachel Reid regarding the physical description of the character.

Justice Smith Responds to Fan Discourse Over Harris Drover Casting

According to Deadline, Justice Smith addressed the online response on his Instagram Story following Friday’s casting announcement. The 31-year-old actor expressed gratitude for the positive messages he received from supporters. “I have to say I am moved by the support and love I’m getting from fans in my DMs, fans who have welcomed me with open arms and who already feel a responsibility to protect me,” Smith stated, as reported by Deadline.

Some online users criticized the choice to cast a non-plus-sized actor for Harris, who is described in Rachel Reid’s novels as chubbier than the professional hockey players in the series. Addressing this direct feedback, Smith wrote, “I am honored to play a character you all care about deeply and I promise I will take good care of him if you give me the chance. I am beyond excited for this experience.” Tribune.com.pk noted that Smith also shared an image of an apple tree in his post, a subtle nod to Harris’s family background running an apple orchard in the source material.

Author Rachel Reid Defends Season Two Cast Choices

Author Rachel Reid quickly defended the new casting choices by drawing parallels to the initial skepticism surrounding the show’s first season. “Thinking about all the people last summer who told me the casting for Ilya and Shane was wrong and bad…,” Reid wrote on an Instagram story shortly after the announcement, according to the primary source materials.

Harris Drover and Troy Barrett, played by Charlie Gillespie, serve as the central couple in Role Model, the fifth installment of Reid’s Game Changers series. Heated Rivalry adapts these characters for its upcoming episodes alongside the ongoing story of Ilya Rozanov, played by Connor Storrie, and Shane Hollander, played by Hudson Williams. Showrunner Jacob Tierney and executive producer Brendan Brady supported the new actors in a joint release, stating that Smith and Gillespie immediately connected with the vulnerability and resilience at the core of Harris and Troy.

Production Timeline and Setting for Season Two

Production for season two of Heated Rivalry is scheduled to begin this month, with an anticipated spring 2027 release date. Ottawa will serve as the primary setting for season two’s hockey storylines, specifically following Ilya Rozanov’s move to a low-ranking Canadian team. Crave renewed the series early into its first season, with HBO Max confirming it will continue broadcasting the adaptation. Jacob Tierney serves as writer, director, and executive producer, working alongside executive producers Brendan Brady and Jayme Alter Wilson, producers Lori Fischburg and Liane Cunje, consulting producer Rachel Reid, and co-writer Mike Goldbach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who plays Harris Drover in Heated Rivalry Season 2?

Justice Smith has been cast in the role of Harris Drover for the second season of the Crave and HBO Max series.

Who is playing Troy Barrett alongside Justice Smith?

Charlie Gillespie has been cast as Troy Barrett, starring opposite Justice Smith.

What book is Season 2 of Heated Rivalry based on?

Season 2 adapts material from Rachel Reid’s novel Role Model, the fifth book in her Game Changers series, alongside continuing storylines from The Long Game.

When will Heated Rivalry Season 2 premiere?

Production begins this month, with producers aiming for a spring 2027 release date.