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‘Heated Rivalry’ Season 2 casting draws backlash as author Rachel Reid responds, Deadline reports
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Culture/The Apex Times/Aug 8, 5:28 PM EDT

‘Heated Rivalry’ Season 2 casting draws backlash as author Rachel Reid responds, Deadline reports

The book-to-screen series will return with Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie in new roles, and creator Rachel Reid has reportedly addressed negative audience reactions to the casting.

2 min readEditor-approved Apex article

The creator of the book series behind Netflix’s “Heated Rivalry” has appeared to respond to negative online reactions to the show’s upcoming Season 2 casting, as the series prepares to add Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie to the roster for the next run, according to Deadline.

Deadline reported on Aug. 8, 2026 that “Heated Rivalry” is set to return for another season with “some new teammates,” framing the casting as part of the adaptation’s continued expansion. The report ties the Season 2 announcements to audience debate, describing how some viewers reacted negatively to the casting choices for characters the series has portrayed as beloved.

The Season 2 casting news highlighted two actors, Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie, as joining the show. Deadline’s coverage indicates that the backlash reflected disagreement over how the adaptation will represent specific characters from the original book series, rather than a dispute tied to production logistics or rights.

Deadline also described Rachel Reid, the author of the source material, as appearing to dismiss or push back against the negative reactions she has seen online regarding the Season 2 cast. The report characterizes the author’s reaction in terms of online response rather than a formal statement released through publishers or production companies, and it does not attribute a specific policy change tied to the feedback.

The next step for fans and observers, based on the reporting, is to see how Season 2 handles the characters at the center of the debate, particularly after the show moves forward with the newly announced cast members. With the casting settled for the next season, audience reception is likely to remain a visible factor in how the series is discussed during its release window.

Because the account of the author’s response is presented as “appeared to” rather than a quoted, verbatim statement, details of what Reid specifically said and where she said it were not fully established in the coverage summarized by Deadline. Viewers seeking the most precise wording would likely need to consult the author’s direct communications referenced by the report.

Why It Matters

  • The Season 2 casting can shape how audiences connect with characters from the source material, particularly when viewers object to representation through specific performers.
  • Public online reaction can affect fan discourse and creator-media relations, even when production decisions have already been made.
  • How creators respond to criticism can influence expectations for future casting and adaptation choices, including how formally those issues are addressed.
  • As the series enters another release cycle, sustained public attention may affect marketing, audience anticipation, and the volume of commentary surrounding the show’s launch.

Sources

Key Facts

  • Deadline reported Aug. 8, 2026 that “Heated Rivalry” is moving into Season 2 with additional cast members.
  • Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie were announced as part of the Season 2 casting.
  • Deadline said the casting choices have prompted negative online reactions from some viewers.
  • Deadline reported that author Rachel Reid appeared to respond to those negative reactions.
  • The report frames the dispute as centered on casting for “beloved” characters from the book series.