Author of 'Heated Rivalry' Addresses Season 2 Casting Backlash
WHO:
Variety - Rachel Reid is the author of "Heated Rivalry."
Variety - Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie are joining the Season 2 cast of "Heated Rivalry."
WHAT:
The Hollywood Reporter - Rachel Reid stated on Instagram, “Thinking about all the people last summer who told me the casting for Ilya and Shane was wrong and bad…” in response to casting criticism.
The Hollywood Reporter - Charlie Gillespie was cast as Troy Barrett, a professional hockey player traded to the Ottawa Centaurs, while Justice Smith was cast as Harris, the team’s social media manager.
The Hollywood Reporter - Showrunner Jacob Tierney and executive producer Brendan Brady praised the casting, stating, “Justice and Charlie do exactly that,” referring to their connection with the characters' vulnerability and resilience.
Variety - Rachel Reid dismissed early critics of the upcoming second season of "Heated Rivalry."
Deadline - Negative online reactions followed the announcement of the new cast members for Season 2.
WHERE:
The Hollywood Reporter - Ottawa is expected to be the season two home for main character Ilya Rozanov.
Variety - The context of the casting backlash is related to the series "Heated Rivalry," which is based on a book series.
WHEN:
The Hollywood Reporter - The second season is aiming for a spring 2027 release.
The Hollywood Reporter - Shooting for the second season is set to begin this month.
Variety - The announcement regarding the casting of Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie was made on a Friday.
WHY:
Deadline - The casting choices for the beloved characters in "Heated Rivalry" prompted opinions and reactions from fans.
HOW:
The Hollywood Reporter - Mike Goldbach joins season two as co-writer alongside Tierney.
Variety - Rachel Reid took to her Instagram story to address the online chatter regarding the casting.
(UPDATED August 9, 2026 06:35 UTC)
In a recent Instagram post, Rachel Reid addressed casting criticisms for her show, reflecting on the feedback she received last summer. The Hollywood Reporter also announced that Charlie Gillespie will portray Troy Barrett, a professional hockey player for the Ottawa Centaurs, while Justice Smith will play Harris, the team's social media manager, with showrunner Jacob Tierney and executive producer Brendan Brady praising their connection to the characters. As production for the second season kicks off this month, it is set to premiere in spring 2027, with Mike Goldbach joining as co-writer alongside Tierney.
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(UPDATED August 8, 2026 23:19 UTC)
Rachel Reid, the author of "Heated Rivalry," has responded to early critics of the upcoming second season of the series, which is based on her book series. The announcement of new cast members, Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie, has sparked negative online reactions from fans concerned about the beloved characters. In her Instagram story, Reid addressed the backlash, emphasizing her support for the casting choices and encouraging fans to keep an open mind.