Canadian romantic drama series “Heated Rivalry” has expanded its Season 2 cast with the addition of two new actors. Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie will join the HBO Max program, which originates from Canada’s Crave Media. Smith is set to portray Harris Drover, while Gillespie will take on the role of Troy Barrett in the upcoming season.
The pair will appear alongside returning cast members Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, who gained recognition during the first season for their roles as Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander. The inaugural season followed a secret romantic relationship between two novice players that developed into a complex emotional journey spanning years. Details about the specific character backgrounds for Smith and Gillespie have not yet been officially announced by the network.
Smith brings credits including “I Saw the TV Glow” and “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” to the project. Gillespie has previously appeared in productions such as “One Night Only,” “Splitsville,” and “Suze.” Creator Jacob Tierney, who also directs the series, praised both actors for their ability to portray the depth required for their characters. The show is produced through Crave with support from the Canada Media Fund, with Bell’s Sphere Abacus handling international distribution.