Rachel Reid defends 'Heated Rivalry' season 2 casting after fan backlash over body type

Crave and HBO Max confirmed Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie for 'Heated Rivalry' season 2 on 7 August 2026. Fans objected that Smith, cast as Harris Drover, did not match the character's heavier book description. Author and consulting producer Rachel Reid responded on Instagram that the actors chosen matter more than matching every physical detail.