Actor Justice Smith has responded after being cast as Harris Drover in the second season of the Crave-HBO Max hockey romance series "Heated Rivalry," saying he is "moved by the support and love" from fans despite some online criticism of the casting choice. He and Charlie Gillespie, who will play Troy Barrett, join the show in leading roles alongside returning cast members Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, with production set to begin this month.

Some fans had objected to a non-plus-sized actor being cast as Harris, a character described in the source novels as chubbier than the show's other hockey players, but the casting has also drawn support, including from author Rachel Reid, on whose "Game Changers" book series the show is based. Smith, 31, said he felt "honoured" and "beyond excited" to take on the role, while showrunner Jacob Tierney and executive producer Brendan Brady praised both new leads for their depth and connection to the characters. The series, renewed early during its first season, is aiming for a spring 2027 release for season two.