The highly anticipated second season of Heated Rivalry is taking shape with some exciting new cast announcements. On 7 August showrunner Jacob Tierney and executive producer Brendan Brady revealed that Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie will be stepping into the roles of Harris Dover and Troy Barrett respectively. These characters are central to Role Model the fifth book in Rachel Reid‘s acclaimed MLM hockey romance series.
The announcement was met with enthusiasm from fans and industry insiders alike. Tierney and Brady expressed their excitement on Instagram highlighting the depth and complexity of Reid’s characters. They stated, “Rachel Reid has given us two beautifully layered characters in Harris and Troy who you can’t help but root for. 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.”
Bringing Characters to Life
The producers praised Smith and Gillespie for their ability to embody the essence of Harris and Troy. “Justice and Charlie do exactly that. They immediately connected with the vulnerability and resilience at the core of these characters, bringing an instinctive understanding of who Harris and Troy are,” they added. This casting decision is seen as a significant step in bringing Reid’s beloved characters to life on screen.
Justice Smith, known for his roles in various films and TV series, brings a wealth of experience to the role of Harris Dover. His ability to portray complex emotions and relatable characters makes him a perfect fit for the character. Similarly, Charlie Gillespie, who has gained recognition for his work in both theater and television, is expected to bring a unique depth to the character of Troy Barrett.
The Evolution of Heated Rivalry
Since its premiere at the end of 2026Heated Rivalry has evolved from a small Canadian production into a global phenomenon. The show’s popularity has led to increased media attention and a dedicated fan base. However, with this success comes the challenge of managing the expectations and enthusiasm of the show’s followers.
In an effort to ensure a smooth production process, Tierney recently addressed the show’s fans with a heartfelt message. “To our incredible fans and everyone who’s been sharing in the excitement for the show: Your support, enthusiasm, and kindness have meant the world to us,” he wrote in an Aug. 4 statement shared on the official Heated Rivalry Instagram account. He continued, “As we gear up for more Heated Rivalry, please help us in making it the best it can be.”
Tierney urged fans to give the cast and crew the space they need to focus on their work. “If you happen to come across one of our filming locations, please give our cast and crew the space they need to do what they do best,” he added. “We promise it’ll be worth the wait!” This request comes as stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams have been closely followed by fans since their arrival in Toronto for the filming of season 2.
The message from Tierney is clear: while the excitement and support from fans are greatly appreciated, it is crucial to allow the cast and crew the necessary space to create the best possible content. As the production of the second season of Heated Rivalry continues, fans can look forward to more updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses, all leading up to the highly anticipated release next year.
