The Canadian-produced hockey drama series, Heated Rivalry, is adding more star power to its ensemble with the recent announcement of three new cast members for its upcoming second season.
After gaining global recognition in its first season, which was picked up by HBO in the U.S. and internationally, the show propelled the careers of lead actors Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, and François Arnaud. The fresh faces joining the cast for the new season include:
– Milla Jovovich, known for her roles in the Resident Evil franchise and The Fifth Element.
– Kevin Zegers, recognized for his work in Gossip Girl and films like Transamerica.
– Paul Gross, a veteran of Canadian film and television, famous for projects such as Due South and Men With Brooms.
Nova Scotia author Rachel Reid, whose Game Changers books inspired the series, expressed her excitement about the casting announcement on social media.
The show revolves around the clandestine relationship between two competitive ice hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, portrayed by Williams and Storrie, respectively. Gross will take on the role of hockey league commissioner Roger Crowell, while Zegers will play Coach Wiebe of the Ottawa Centaurs, Hollander’s team. Jovovich will portray Dr. Galina Molchalina, a therapist supporting Rozanov.
Additionally, returning actors from Season 1 include Robbie G.K., Sophie Nélisse, Christina Chang, and Dylan Walsh. The production has also enlisted several Canadian talents for the new season, such as Charlie Gillespie, Daniel Diemer, Emily Hampshire, and Priyanka.
The series creator and director, Jacob Tierney, has begun filming the second season, slated for release on Crave in Spring 2027. Despite its success, Heated Rivalry will not be eligible for this year’s Primetime Emmys, but it has already made a mark at the Canadian Screen Awards, winning multiple accolades.
(Source: CBC)
