Author Rachel Reid is addressing criticism regarding the casting choices for the second season of the television series Heated Rivalry. The production announced that Charlie Gillespie will play Troy and Justice Smith will play Harris, characters drawn from Reid’s book series. Some viewers expressed dissatisfaction with the physical appearance of the actors, specifically noting that the actor cast as Harris does not match their perception of the character's body type from the novels.
Reid responded to this feedback on social media by pointing to similar negative reactions she received during the casting process for the first season. She maintains that the chosen actors possess the ability to bring depth to the characters. Showrunner Jacob Tierney and executive producer Brendan Brady supported these selections in an official statement, noting that both actors connected with the emotional needs of their roles.
Heated Rivalry is currently moving into production for its second season, with plans for a spring 2027 release. The plot will continue to follow Ilya Rozanov as he navigates his move to the Ottawa Centaurs. While the online debate persists, the production team remains focused on the upcoming filming schedule and the narrative arcs established in the source material.