Justice Smith Responds to Critics After ‘Heated Rivalry’ Season 2 Casting

Justice Smith is stepping into the conversation surrounding his casting in ‘Heated Rivalry’ Season 2.

After his announcement as Harris Drover sparked a wave of criticism online, the actor shared a message directly with fans and made clear that he understands just how much the beloved character means to them.

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Smith was announced alongside Charlie Gillespie, who will play Troy Barrett, with the casting quickly becoming a talking point among fans of the franchise.

Taking to his Instagram Story, Smith thanked those who had already welcomed him into the fold while addressing those who remain unconvinced.

“I am moved by the support and love I’m getting from fans in my dms, fans who have welcomed me with open arms and who already feel a responsibility to protect me. I am honoured to play a character that you all care about deeply and I promise that I will take good care of him if you give me the chance.”

Author Rachel Reid also weighed in on the reaction, reminding fans that Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, now beloved as Ilya and Shane, were not universally embraced when their casting was first revealed either.

Harris and Troy are the central couple in ‘Role Model’, the fifth book in Reid’s bestselling ‘Game Changer’ series. Season 2 will also adapt ‘The Long Game’, which continues Ilya and Shane’s story.

Executive producers Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady have stood firmly behind the casting, praising Smith and Gillespie for immediately connecting with “the vulnerability and resilience at the core of these characters.”

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