The cast for the second season of the queer hockey drama Heated Rivalry is expanding with several key roles filled. Milla Jovovich (Resident Evil, The Fifth Element) is joining the series, which charts the complex romance between two male professional hockey players.
Jovovich will portray Dr. Galina Molchalina, the Russian therapist for star player Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie). This casting suggests the new season will delve deeper into Ilya's struggles with depression and anxiety, a significant storyline in the Rachel Reid novels on which the series is based.
Also joining the cast is Kevin Zegers, known for his roles in Transamerica and Gossip Girl. He will play Coach Wiebe, Ilya’s supportive and well-liked coach at the Ottawa Centaurs. Paul Gross (Tales of the City) takes on the role of the antagonistic NHL Commissioner Roger Crowell, a character from the books who actively pressures players to remain closeted.
New Season, New Challenges
Heated Rivalry follows the relationship between rival hockey captains Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams), who navigate their careers while keeping their love for each other a secret. Season two is set to adapt events from Reid's books The Long Game and Role Model.
The story will see Ilya transfer to a new team to be closer to Shane, forcing them to confront the realities of their hidden relationship. Alongside their story, a second romance will be introduced between troubled player Troy Barrett (Charlie Gillespie) and the team's social media manager, Harris Drover (Justice Smith).
Returning and New Faces
Of course, Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams will return as the central couple. Other returning cast members include:
- François Arnaud and Robbie G.K. as Scott Hunter and Kip Grady
- Sophie Nélisse as actress Rose Landry
- Christina Chang and Dylan Walsh as Shane’s parents
The list of previously confirmed newcomers for season two is extensive, featuring actors like Justice Smith, Charlie Gillespie, Emily Hampshire (Schitt's Creek), and Edvin Ryding (Young Royals).
Heated Rivalry is currently filming in Canada. The second season is expected to premiere in the spring of 2027 and will be available in the Netherlands on HBO Max.
