Fans have new behind-the-scenes photos of Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams from the set of Heated Rivalry. The images offer a look at the off-camera friendship between the actors, whose on-screen chemistry has made the series a major hit. These photos add to the excitement around a show that has quickly become a standout success of 2025.
The photos, shared recently, show Storrie and Williams in relaxed moments between takes. One picture features both actors looking over what appears to be a script or notes, sharing a laugh. Another shot is a close-up of the two stars standing close together, with Storrie in a dark jacket and Williams in a light sweater. Their easygoing interaction in these unofficial snaps matches the genuine bond they have talked about in interviews.
The journey for Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams has been sudden. Just weeks before Heated Rivalry launched in late November 2024, they were virtual unknowns. The show, a bold romance about two closeted professional hockey players, was originally made for a smaller Canadian streaming service. Just days before its release, HBO Max acquired the series, making it available to millions more viewers almost overnight.
The actors have been open about how strange this rapid change has been. Hudson Williams admitted that at first, he wondered if his social media algorithm was tricking him into thinking the show was popular. The reality quickly set in. Soon, they were being recognized at parties and approached for photos. The attention has been intense, with particular focus on the show’s explicit content. Storrie has acknowledged this, saying he knew objectification would be part of the job but didn’t expect his butt to become such a specific topic of conversation.
“We were just happy to be there,” says Williams about their new-found fame. “Then the fact that people were like, ‘We want a selfie with you!’” He shakes his head, acknowledging it’s been quite a week.
Heated Rivalry is based on a novel by Rachel Reid, which recently hit the New York Times bestseller list years after its first publication. The show follows the secret relationship between Ilya Rozanov, a cocky Russian player for the Boston Raiders (played by Storrie), and Shane Hollander, an Asian Canadian captain of the Montreal Metros (played by Williams).
The production was fast. The entire first season was filmed in just 36 or 37 days. Its path to success was unexpected. After the trailer gained a lot of attention online, HBO executives took notice. Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and HBO Max, called the decision to pick up the show “a very easy yes”. He watched all six episodes in one weekend, attracted by the unique premise.
The show’s mix of sports drama and romance has sparked a wide conversation. It has been featured everywhere from style magazines to satirical news sites. This blend of genuine sports tension and intimate storytelling has created a dedicated fanbase that closely follows every update, including new behind-the-scenes content like the recently shared photos.
Connor Storrie’s path to Heated Rivalry was not straightforward. He grew up in Odessa, Texas, and knew he wanted to be an actor from a very young age. He even had a childhood YouTube channel with the username “Actorboy222,” which dedicated fans have since discovered. After moving to California and dropping out of high school, he worked as a waiter while pursuing auditions.
His big break came with a role in Joker: Folie à Deux, the sequel to the award-winning film. Storrie was cast as an inmate at Arkham State Hospital. Director Todd Phillips shared that he was impressed by Storrie’s “nuanced physicality and his wonderful intensity” during their first meeting. On set, Storrie learned his character would have a pivotal role, tasked with a key action against Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker.
Phillips explained his choice: “What stood out most for me was his nuanced physicality and his wonderful intensity… I remember picking up on how he seemed super committed to the craft… I liked him right away.”
Despite this high-profile project, major fame didn’t immediately follow. After the Joker sequel, Storrie filmed a smaller movie in Romania and continued to take acting classes. He has said he’s had “so many identities” in his life, showing a willingness to take on different kinds of work. His role in Heated Rivalry has now defined his career in a new way, making him a recognized face globally.
Less is widely known about Hudson Williams‘s background compared to his co-star, but his rise has been just as rapid. At 24 years old, he has become one half of television’s most talked-about new pair. The actor has handled the sudden spotlight with a sense of humor, even laughing about wearing an “ugly sweater vest” during his first major interviews.
Williams’s portrayal of Shane Hollander has resonated with viewers. The character struggles with maintaining a public image as a role model while hiding his private life, a conflict that Williams brings to the screen with noticeable sensitivity. The new behind-the-scenes photos show him in a simple cream tank top, a contrast to the hockey uniforms and suits his character often wears, highlighting the actor’s own relaxed style.
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Both actors have leaned on each other to navigate their new reality. They have made public appearances together, including a surprise visit to a gay bar in West Hollywood where they thanked fans directly. This supportive partnership off-screen strengthens their believable connection on-screen, a dynamic that the latest batch of candid photos clearly captures.
For fans who want to see the chemistry that sparked from these behind-the-scenes moments, Heated Rivalry is available to stream exclusively on HBO Max. The first season consists of six episodes. The show’s availability on this major platform is a key reason for its swift jump from a niche Canadian project to an international topic of discussion.
The series has not yet been officially renewed for a second season. However, its strong performance and the ongoing popularity of Rachel Reid’s book series, which includes six novels, provide plenty of source material for future stories. The recent release of new behind-the-scenes content keeps fan engagement high while audiences wait for news about the show’s future.
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