Justice Smith Reacts To Heated Rivalry Season 2 News As Author Defends Casting

Heated Rivalry newcomer Justice Smith has responded to the outpouring of “love and support” he’s received from the show’s fans since it was announced that he’d be joining the cast.

Over the weekend, it was confirmed that Justice and Charlie Gillespie would be joining the TV phenomenon in its long-awaited second season as Harris Drover and Troy Barrett, a new couple sharing the screen with Shane and Ilya (played by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie).

Posting on Instagram on Sunday, the Detective Pikachu star wrote: “I have to say I am moved by the support and love I’m getting from fans in my DMs, fans who have welcomed me with open arms and who already feel a responsibility to protect me.”

The I Saw The TV Glow actor added: “I am honoured 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.

“I am beyond excited for this experience.”

Meanwhile, author Rachel Reid – who penned the original sports romance novels that inspired Heated Rivalry – has already jumped to Justice’s defence, after some fans took issue with Justice’s casting, based on the fact that his character is described in the original novel as being bigger in build than his teammates.

“Thinking about all the people last summer who told me the casting for Ilya and Shane was wrong and bad…” she posted on her Instagram story (per The Hollywood Reporter).

Showrunner Jacob Tierney and executive producer Brendan Brady also said in a statement announcing Justice and Charlie’s casting: “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.

“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.”

Heated Rivalry’s second season is due to begin filming this month, ahead of its release worldwide in 2027.

The production recently released a message addressed to “our incredible fans and everyone who’s been sharing in the excitement for the show”, which read: “Your support, enthusiasm, and kindness have meant the world to us. As we gear up for more Heated Rivalry, please help us in making it the best it can be.

“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. We promise it’ll be worth the wait!”