Justice Smith is speaking out after it was announced he will star in Heated Rivalry season two!
The 30-year-old Now You See Me: Now You Don’t star has been cast as Ottawa Centaurs social media manager Harris Drover, alongside Charlie Gillespie as Troy Barrett, who are the central couple of Rachel Reid‘s book “Role Model.”
On Saturday night (August 8), Justice took to his Instagram story to react to the love and support he’s received since the news was announced the day before.
“i have to say 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 honored to play a character you all care about deeply and i promise i will take good care of him if you give me the chance.
i am beyond excited for this experience”
He also included an apple tree at the bottom of his post, which you can see in the screenshot below. If you’re unaware, Harris’ family lives on an apple orchard and grew up selling apples with his family. He later brings Troy to the orchard.
Following Justice‘s casting announcement, many fans were upset that he did not fit the book’s description of Harris, who is said to be stocky and rugged with red hair.
Author Rachel Reid seemingly responded to the backlash in her own Instagram story post. See what she said!
As they announced that Justice and Charlie would be playing Harris and Troy, series creator Jacob Tierney and exec producer Brendan Brady shared a statement about their casting process.
“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,” the two TV execs said. “They immediately connected with the vulnerability and resilience at the core of these characters, bringing an instinctive understanding of who Harris and Troy are.”
Filming on Heated Rivalry season two is said to begin next week, and it’s set to premiere in Spring 2027.
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