The world of gay hockey drama is abuzz with the unexpected news that Jack Innanen won’t be appearing in Heated Rivalry season 2. The actor, who had been a top fan favorite for a role in the series, has had to turn down an offer due to production conflicts with his other commitments.
Innanen’s potential involvement in the show had generated significant excitement among fans, who had been campaigning for him to join the cast since the series’ renewal. The actor himself had expressed enthusiasm about the possibility, even hinting at discussions taking place earlier this year.
Innanen’s hockey background made him a perfect fit
What made Innanen such an appealing choice for the role was his genuine connection to the sport. The actor had previously stated, I’d be the perfect [fit] because I am down for anything – and I played hockey! He even went so far as to practice his skills, acquiring mini sticks and working on his stick handling and hip mobility in preparation for a potential role.
Fans had been speculating about which character Innanen might portray, with many suggesting he would be perfect as either Wyatt Hayes or Troy Barrett from Rachel Reid’s wider Game Changers book series. The actor’s genuine enthusiasm for the project and his hockey background made him an ideal candidate for the role.
The scheduling conflicts that derailed Innanen’s involvement
Despite his eagerness to join the Heated Rivalry cast, Innanen found himself in a difficult position due to his increasingly busy schedule. The actor is currently involved in two major projects that have made it impossible for him to take on another role at this time.
Innanen is starring in the FX comedy Adultswhich has become a breakout hit. Additionally, he is attached to Netflix’s upcoming comedy series Big Mistakesbased on Reid’s bestselling novel. These commitments have left little room in his schedule for another project, especially one as demanding as Heated Rivalry.
The news of Innanen’s departure comes as a disappointment to many fans who were looking forward to seeing him in the series. However, it’s clear that his other projects are keeping him very busy, and he had to make a difficult decision about where to focus his energies.
What’s next for Heated Rivalry season 2
Despite Innanen’s absence, production on Heated Rivalry season 2 is moving forward as planned. The series, which follows the decades-long relationship between rival hockey stars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanovpremiered in to critical acclaim and was quickly renewed for a second season.
Production on the new season is expected to begin in August, with a planned release date of April 2027 on Sky in the UK. While Innanen won’t be part of the cast, fans can look forward to more drama and excitement from the show’s existing cast, including Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams.
As for Innanen, he will undoubtedly continue to impress audiences with his work in Adults and Big Mistakes. While his absence from Heated Rivalry season 2 is disappointing, it’s clear that he has his hands full with other exciting projects.
