Queer ice-hockey romance ‘Heated Rivalry’ has reportedly been renewed for a third season and a standalone film featuring a different couple from the series.
A Deadline exclusive report stated that seasons two and three are currently being filmed back-to-back, with wrap-up set for the end of November or early December.
Meanwhile, sources cited by Deadline described the movie as a “Christmas special” or a “holiday-themed” instalment. It will reportedly begin shooting in December, with a planned theatrical release in December 2027.
Canadian streamer Crave did not confirm any projects.
However, rumors about a third season have been circulating among fans after a leaked Cameo video by actor Dylan Walsh, where he said, “I think we’re doing 12 [episodes] this time.”
Walsh, who plays David Hollander, later wrote on his profile that “a video went viral that got me in trouble.”
A Scott and Kip Christmas special
While details are still vague, Deadline’s sources added that the film will not include the series’ main couple Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, played by Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, respectively.
Instead, it will center on Scott (François Arnaud) and Kip (Robbie G.K.), whose romance was also shown in the first season.
Rachel Reid, author behind the ‘Game Changers’ book series from which the show is adapted, has written a short story about the pair’s first Christmas together titled ‘Merry Christmas, Scott and Kip!’.
What’s confirmed so far
Created for Crave by Canadian director Jacob Tierney, ‘Heated Rivalry’ revolves around rival hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, who are “two of the biggest stars in Major League Hockey.”
The pair are “bound by ambition, rivalry, and a magnetic pull neither of them fully understands.”
“What begins as a secret fling between two fresh-faced rookies evolves into a years-long journey of love, denial, and self-discovery,” according to the official logline released by HBO Max.
The show’s first season was a huge success following its two-episode premiere in November last year, with its main stars Storrie and Williams immediately becoming two of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors.
It was so well-received by fans and critics alike that the second season was officially greenlit before the first wrapped up in December.
While the first season was adapted from the second book of the same name from the ‘Game Changers’ series, the next season will be based on ‘The Long Game.’
This feature is the series’ last novel, which continues the story of Ilya and Shane, who must now keep their relationship secret amid their very public lives.
It will also pull from ‘Role Model’, which follows the budding romance between Ilya’s Ottawa Centaurs teammate Troy Barrett and the team’s social media manager Harris Drover.
Deadline did not report any further details about the rumored third season.
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New cast and returnees
It was also recently announced that ‘Resident Evil’ actress Mila Jovovich will play the role of Dr. Galina Molchalina, the Russian therapist Ilya sees as he battles with depression in season two.
Other new confirmed cast members for the upcoming season are Justice Smith as Harris Drover, Charlie Gillespie as Troy Barrett, Daniel Diemer as Ryan Price, Shaheen Jafargholi as Fabian Salah, Emily Hampshire as Vanessa, Edvin Ryding as Luca Haas, Robert Naylor as Wyatt Hayes, Priyanka as Tarek, and Sabrina Jalees as Farah.
Meanwhile, the returning cast includes Storrie, Williams, Arnaud, G.K., Sophie Nélisse (Rose Landry), Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova (Svetlana), Christina Chang (Yuna), Dylan Walsh (David), Callan Potter (Hayden), Benjamin Roy (JJ), and Kamilla Kowal (Jackie).
Fans can expect the new season in late spring next year.
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