In a recent interview, actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie explored the provocative fan reactions to their roles in the HBO Max series Heated Rivalry. The discussion, held with Buzzfeed, showcased the pair reading explicit tweets that highlighted both their characters’ journeys and the more risqué aspects of the show’s fanbase. Storrie, 25, noted, “There are people who love these characters and the journey they go through. Then there’s people who just want to get all saucy.”
Their playful banter began with light-hearted antics, including a mock kiss. As they delved into some of the more explicit responses to their portrayals of Shane and Ilya, the humor remained unabated. Storrie expressed curiosity about a tweet suggesting a physical transformation, leading Williams to quip, “It’s a lot to swallow. I would know.”
Body Image and Fan Engagement
The conversation soon shifted to Storrie’s physique, particularly his “double cheeked up” appearance, which he admitted had garnered unexpected attention. “I did not think that my butt would get the response. I thought my acting or my charisma would be the focus,” he reflected. Williams also mentioned his own physical changes throughout filming, revealing that he gained nine pounds during the production, joking about the evolution of his character’s appearance.
The duo’s humourous exploration of their roles did not stop there. An off-screen producer had to clarify the concept of the omega verse, a subgenre of erotic fanfiction involving dynamics of dominance and submission. Williams embraced the theme, describing his character’s wild escapades, stating, “He just wanted to whimper away. He’s a little horny mutt.”
Despite the adult themes, Williams expressed pride in the show, encouraging viewers to share it widely. “Play this on the plane, in a parking lot, in a grocery store,” he said. “I want this to be shown everywhere.” Storrie chimed in, questioning how those unfamiliar with the series perceive its promotional material, humorously pondering, “Where is the love?”
Behind the Characters and Future Prospects
Based on Rachel Reid’s Game Changers book series, Heated Rivalry tells the story of two professional hockey players whose rivalry on the ice masks a passionate romance. The actors revealed their hopes for a possible second season, with Williams joking about wanting to see more action, saying, “If season 2 happens, I am going to be red everywhere because he is just going to slap me and won’t stop.”
Williams took a moment to address a fan inquiry regarding his character Shane’s neurodivergence, stating, “Shane is on the spectrum. Maybe you should get yourself someone who has a touch of the spectrum on him.” This comment showcased the actors’ commitment to portraying complex characters with depth.
The interview concluded with a humorous segment featuring a meme that compared different carrot sizes, playfully suggesting who among the characters had the largest endowment. Storrie laughed at the notion of Ilya being the standout at nine inches, while Williams offered a light-hearted rebuttal, saying, “It’s the motion of the ocean.”
New episodes of Heated Rivalry air every Friday on HBO Max, continuing to engage viewers with its mix of humor, romance, and unexpected elements.
