Heated Rivalry made a strong impression in its first season, thanks in part to its cast and the tension between them. As the show moves into its second season, changes may be on the way. Casting decisions can make or break a series, and viewers are already speculating about who will return.

While some actors seem locked in, others may not get a renewed run. Here is a breakdown of the potential season two ensemble, including familiar faces and possible departures.

Season two of Heated Rivalry is officially on the way, with leads Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams confirmed to return as Ilya Rosanov and Shane Hollander. The Crave and HBO Max hit will adapt Rachel Reid’s The Long Game for the next installment, keeping its focus on the central couple.

Based on the book, other faces expected back are: François Arnaud (Scott Hunter), Robbie G.K. (Kip Grady), Christina Chang (Yuna Hollander), Dylan Walsh (David Hollander), Callan Potter (Hayden Pike), Kamilla Kowal (Jackie Pike), Sophie Nélisse, Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, and Benjamin Roy.

Those not expected to return include Nadine Bhabha (Elena Rygg), as her character does not appear in The Long Game. Yaroslav Poverlo’s Grigori Rozanov was killed off in season one, ruling out his return.

Kolton Stewart (Carter Vaughn), Slavic Rogozine (Alexei Rozanov), and Franco Lo Presti (Cliff Marleau) are also unlikely to appear, since their characters are not featured in the book on which season two is based. While Heated Rivalry season two does not yet have an official release date, Connor Storrie recently took the liberty of teasing the chapter’s filming schedule.

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The 25-year-old is well aware of the anticipation surrounding the hit gay romance and was happy to provide updates for fans.

Filming for Heated Rivalry season two may be closer than many expect. While appearing on TODAY on January 14, Connor Storrie hinted that production could kick off in the coming months, with summer being a strong possibility. He shared that scripts are still in progress, as Jacob Tierney, set to receive a significant honor soon, continues shaping the next phase of the series. 

As excitement continues to build, Heated Rivalry season two is shaping up to be a meaningful next chapter rather than just a continuation. With more characters returning than those left behind, the new season has the chance to deepen relationships that audiences already care about.

While many details remain under wraps, steady updates from the cast suggest progress is being made. For now, viewers can only wait and see how the next chapter unfolds, hoping the return will live up to the emotional stakes set in season one.

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What do you think of the Heated Rivalry season two cast so far? Let us know in the comments.