The Canadian hockey drama series, “Heated Rivalry,” has revealed the latest additions to its cast for the upcoming second season. The show, produced by Bell Media’s Crave streaming service, gained international acclaim in its initial six-episode run, leading to the rise of its main actors – Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, and François Arnaud.
The new cast members announced include Ukrainian-American actress Milla Jovovich, known for her roles in the “Resident Evil” franchise and “The Fifth Element,” alongside Kevin Zegers, recognized for his work in various TV shows and films. Additionally, Paul Gross, a prominent figure in Canadian film and television, has joined the ensemble.
Based on the “Game Changers” book series by Nova Scotia author Rachel Reid, “Heated Rivalry” chronicles the hidden romance between two rival hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. The upcoming season will see Gross portraying hockey league commissioner Roger Crowell, Zegers as Coach Wiebe, and Jovovich as Dr. Galina Molchalina.
The production has also enlisted a range of Canadian talents for Season 2, including Charlie Gillespie, Daniel Diemer, Emily Hampshire, and Priyanka. Hampshire, in an interview, expressed her excitement about working with long-time collaborator Jacob Tierney, the show’s creator and director.
Despite its global popularity, “Heated Rivalry” is ineligible for this year’s Primetime Emmy Awards but has received significant recognition at the Canadian Screen Awards. Filming for the second season commenced on August 17, with a scheduled release on Crave in Spring 2027.