From Bestselling Book to Big Screen Romance
For fans of queer romance literature, the name Rachel Reid is legendary. Her 'Game Changers' series, set in the world of professional hockey, has captivated readers worldwide. Now, the fan-favourite first book, Heated Rivalry, is getting a film adaptation, and director Jacob Tierney is feeling the pressure—and the excitement—of bringing the beloved story of rival players Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander to life.
In a recent conversation, Tierney opened up about the journey of adapting a book with such a passionate and dedicated fanbase. The story centres on two star athletes on rival teams whose public animosity masks a secret, decade-long affair. It’s a classic 'enemies-to-lovers' tale, a trope that has long been a cornerstone of queer romance fiction.
Casting the Perfect Rivals
A story like this lives or dies on the chemistry of its leads. Tierney knew this, and the casting process was crucial. The roles of the cocky Russian superstar Ilya and the stoic Canadian captain Shane went to Jordan Gavaris (Orphan Black) and Mason Temple (Ginny and Georgia), respectively.
"The second we saw them together, we knew," Tierney explained, emphasizing that their dynamic was immediately apparent. He sought actors who could embody the characters' complex mix of public bravado and private vulnerability, ensuring the intense connection that fans love from the book would translate powerfully to the screen.
More Than Just a 'Coming Out' Story
While the world of professional sports, much like professional football here in Europe, is still often seen as a bastion of heteronormativity, Tierney was clear that Heated Rivalry is not a traditional trauma-filled coming-out narrative. Instead, his goal was to create a big, sweeping, mainstream romance that just happens to be about two men.
"I wanted to make a film that was celebratory," he stated. The focus is on the evolution of Ilya and Shane's relationship, treating their love story with the same weight and cinematic grandeur typically reserved for heterosexual couples. This includes the film's intimate scenes, which Tierney described as essential to the storytelling, designed to be emotional and character-driven rather than purely physical.
A Labour of Love
As a gay man himself, Tierney felt a personal connection to the material and a responsibility to do it justice. He collaborated closely with author Rachel Reid, who was on board from the beginning, to ensure the adaptation remained true to the spirit of her work. The result, he hopes, is a film that will satisfy die-hard fans of the book while also welcoming newcomers into the passionate, high-stakes world of Ilya and Shane.
With its compelling characters and emotionally charged romance, Heated Rivalry is poised to be a significant moment for queer representation in the sports movie genre. It’s a story about finding love in an unexpected place, and a testament to the idea that romance knows no boundaries—not even the fiercely competitive ones drawn on a sheet of ice.
This article is based on an interview originally conducted by Toronto Life. You can read the full, in-depth conversation with director Jacob Tierney at their website.
