Justice Smith Responds to Criticism Over 'Heated Rivalry' Casting

Announced last week, the casting of actors Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie for season 2 of Heated Rivalry sparked online controversy.

The reaction led Smith, who will play Harris Drover, to speak out on social media and ask fans for a chance to portray the character: “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”, he wrote on Instagram Stories.

The choice of Smith and Gillespie for the roles of Harris and Troy, respectively, did not please some fans, who had their own expectations for the characters. 

In their defense, author Rachel Reid also reminded people on social media that before winning over the public, season 1 actors Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams were also criticized when they were cast.

Last Friday, the production team defended the choice of Smith and Gillespie, revealing that they immediately connected with the characters and were able to convey the vulnerability and strength needed for the new story: 

“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,” said Jacob Tierney, creator of Heated Rivalry, and executive producer Brendan Brady. 'Justice and Charlie do exactly that. They immediately connected with the vulnerability and resilience at the heart of these characters, bringing an instinctive understanding of who Harris and Troy are.”

In the new season, Harris and Troy will be the central couple of the story, adapted from the books Role Model and The Long Game.

Season 2 is set to premiere in spring 2027.