“Heartbroken”: Diversity Criticism Over Heated Rivalry Casting Justice Smith

The producers of Heated Rivalry have confirmed that Justice Smith (Pokémon Detective Pikachu) and Charlie Gillespie (One Night Only) will join the cast of Season 2. While many are excited to see these steamy actors bring to life yet another fiery hockey romance from Rachel Reid‘s Game Changers books, others are criticising the move, citing diversity concerns.

Gillespie is slated to play Troy Barrett, a standoffish and reckless forward on the Ottawa Centaurs. Meanwhile, Smith has been cast as Barret’s slow-burn lover, Harris Drover, as rumours predicted. Drover is the cheerful and openly gay social media manager for the Ottawa Centaurs, who, in the books at least, is destined to peel off Barrett’s brutish exterior (and clothes).

While Gillespie’s casting was largely celebrated, Smith’s was immediately met with controversy. Despite virtually all confessing they were fans of Smith’s work, many were quick to point out that in the books, Smith’s character, the bubbly Harris Drover, has a rugged, stocky build. Meanwhile, actor Justice Smith is better known for his lean, athletic look. 

Now, fans are wondering if the producers have opted to replicate the virality of Season 1 by spotlighting yet another conventionally hot, athletic pairing, instead of representing diversity and authenticity.

Heated Rivalry Creators Silent On Shredding Harris In Another Lean Casting

Strangely, the casting announcement, co-written by director Jacob Tierney and producer Brendan Brady, did not address this pivot at all, instead choosing to focus on “the core” of the characters.

“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.”

While chemistry is undeniably an important factor, many are criticising the creators’ decision to conveniently ignore the fact that all four cast members in the announcement are, well, “ripped”. Whether simply fans of the original series or “stocky”-identifying queers themselves, more than a few commenters have described feeling “heartbroken”.

“Representation matters.” one commenter wrote. “That goes for body types as well. So this is not exactly what I hoped to see. It would have been nice to see just one person on the screen who isn’t ridiculously ripped.”

“Love Justice as an actor!” said another. “But as a plus-size guy who works in social media myself, I’d love to see that representation too.”