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Heated Rivalry Season 2 Casting Prompts Debate Over Plus-Size Representation

The creative team says performances will address concerns as filming moves forward toward a spring 2027 release.

Overview

  • Crave has confirmed Justice Smith as Harris Drover and Charlie Gillespie as Troy Barrett for Season 2, expanding the show to adapt material from The Long Game and Role Model.
  • Some fans have criticized Smith’s casting for not matching the books’ description of Harris as a stocky or plus-size character, raising wider questions about body inclusivity in adaptations.
  • Author Rachel Reid, actor Justice Smith and executive producers Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady have publicly defended the choices and asked audiences to wait for the finished performances.
  • Production is active in Canada and the team has asked fans to give cast and crew space on set as filming continues toward an expected spring 2027 release.
  • The dispute highlights a recurring tension between fan expectations and casting decisions and could shape how future series balance faithful physical representation with creative casting and financing needs.