Creator of 'Heated Rivalry' Refuses to Discuss Actors' Sexuality: 'No Need to Dive into Personal Matters'

Jacob Tierney, the mind behind Heated Rivalry, recently shared in an interview with Xtra that the personal sexual orientations of his cast members are not relevant to the new HBO queer sports drama. What truly matters, he emphasized, is the "energy and commitment" the actors bring to their roles.

When asked about the sexualities of lead actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, Tierney stated, I dont think theres any reason to get into that stuff. You cant ask questions like that during casting anywayits actually illegal. What you really look for is enthusiasm and willingness to do the work.

He praised both actors for their dedication: They came in ready to give their all, aiming to make the story feel authentic and real, and they absolutely nailed it.

In the series, Williams and Storrie play young hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, respectively, whose rivalry on the ice turns into a romance off it. Williams recently told Out Magazine that his on-screen connection with Storrie felt strikingly genuine. I read with another actor for Ilya, and it was fine, but Connor had this unique sparkit just felt more real than I expected.

Tierney also recounted a humorous moment after casting: Hudson told me, 'The other guy was good, but Connor felt like he was going to pin me down and fuck me.' Thats literally what he said, and I thought, 'Yep, I cast this right.'

Author: Sophia Brooks