Heated Rivalry author Rachel Reid has publicly defended the casting of Justice Smith as Harris Drover in the upcoming second season of the hit Crave series, following criticism from some fans over the actor's physical appearance compared to the book's description. The controversy erupted after Crave Canada announced on August 7th that Charlie Gillespie and Justice Smith would portray the beloved characters Troy Barrett and Harris Drover, central figures in Reid's novel Role Model.
Fans Express Heartbreak Over Harris Casting
While many fans celebrated the announcement, particularly praising the network for casting a person of colour in the role, a vocal subset of readers voiced disappointment that Smith does not match the plus-size physique described for Harris in the books. Comments on Instagram included one fan saying, "As a pudgy non athletic gay boy who grew up on an apple orchard I’m a bit heartbroken, I can’t lie. I love Justice and I know he will be amazing but losing that connection to Harris is bittersweet." Another wrote, "Bittersweet casting for Harris. Happy to see a person of colour, but sad he’s not on the thicker side like in the books. Was really hoping for that specifically." A third added, "Disappointed that Harris won’t be a plus sized baddie…I really resonated with his character."
Showrunners and Author Respond
Showrunner Jacob Tierney and executive producer Brendan Brady issued a joint statement defending the casting decision. They said, "Rachel Reid has given us two beautifully layered characters in Harris and Troy who you can’t help but root for. 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. They immediately connected with the vulnerability and resilience at the core of these characters, bringing an instinctive understanding of who Harris and Troy are."
Rachel Reid took to her Instagram stories to address the backlash directly, referencing past criticism of the casting for Shane and Ilya in the first season. She wrote, "Thinking about all the people last summer who told me the casting for Ilya and Shane was wrong and bad…" This suggests a pattern of initial scepticism that was ultimately proven unfounded.
Justice Smith Speaks Out
Justice Smith also responded personally, sharing his gratitude and commitment to the role on Instagram stories. He said, "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 beyond excited for the experience." He added, "I will take good care of him if you give me the chance."
Background on the Cast and Series
Charlie Gillespie is known for his role as Luke in Julie and the Phantoms, while Justice Smith has appeared in films like Detective Pikachu and shows such as The Get Down and Generation. The second season of Heated Rivalry continues the story of Shane and Ilya, with Troy and Harris's romance crossing over from Reid's book Role Model. The series has been praised for its authentic portrayal of queer romance, and the casting of a person of colour as Harris has been seen as a positive step for representation.
Impact and Future Outlook
The backlash highlights the challenges of adapting beloved book characters to screen, where physical descriptions often differ from actor appearances. However, the united front from the author, showrunners, and actor suggests confidence in the casting. Reid's reference to previous casting doubts for Shane and Ilya implies that the creative team has a track record of proving critics wrong. As production continues, fans will eagerly await the premiere to see how Troy and Harris are brought to life.
