The lineup for the TV series “Heated Rivalry” is expanding with the addition of three new actors for its upcoming season. The show, produced by Crave streaming service and a hit in its first season, has gained international acclaim and boosted the careers of its main stars: Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, and François Arnaud.
Joining the cast for the upcoming season are Ukrainian-American actress Milla Jovovich, known for her roles in “Resident Evil” and “The Fifth Element”; Kevin Zegers from Woodstock, Ont., recognized for his work in “Gossip Girl” and “Transamerica”; and Paul Gross, a well-known Canadian actor, writer, and director famous for “Due South” and “Men With Brooms.”
Nova Scotia author Rachel Reid, whose books inspired the series, expressed her excitement about the new cast members. The show revolves around the love story between two rival hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, portrayed by Williams and Storrie, respectively.
Paul Gross will play the role of hockey league commissioner Roger Crowell, while Zegers will portray Coach Wiebe, head of the Ottawa Centaurs team. Jovovich will take on the character of Dr. Galina Molchalina, a therapist supporting Rozanov.
The returning cast includes Robbie G.K., Sophie Nélisse, Christina Chang, and Dylan Walsh, among others. The show has also enlisted Canadian talent for the new season, including Charlie Gillespie, Daniel Diemer, Emily Hampshire, and Priyanka.
Hampshire, in an interview, praised series creator Jacob Tierney and expressed her joy at being part of the show. Despite its success, “Heated Rivalry” is not eligible for this year’s Emmy Awards but has received accolades at the Canadian Screen Awards. Shooting for the second season has commenced, with the premiere scheduled for Spring 2027.