If you found yourself doing a double-take when a famous actress named Rose Landry entered the world of Heated Rivalry, you are not alone. The new character has caused major drama for the secret couple, Shane and Ilya, and her face is one many viewers instantly recognized. The actress behind Rose is Sophie Nélisse, and she brings a wealth of talent from some of television and film’s biggest projects right to this new steamy sports drama.
In the series, Rose Landry is a famous movie star who comes to Montreal to film a project. She meets Shane Hollander, played by Hudson Williams, and their very public new romance becomes a source of intense jealousy for Ilya Rozanov, Shane’s secret Russian lover played by Connor Storrie. Her arrival in Season 1, Episode 4, titled “Rose,” complicates the main characters’ hidden relationship in a major way.
Who Is the Actress Playing Rose Landry?
The role of Rose Landry is played by Canadian actress Sophie Nélisse. Sophie was born in Windsor, Ontario, and grew up in Montreal, which is also a key setting for her episode of Heated Rivalry. Her mother played a significant role in her early career, quitting her job as a teacher to become Sophie’s manager. Acting runs in the family, as Sophie’s younger sister, Isabelle Nélisse, is also an actress known for roles in films like Mama and The Tale.
While Heated Rivalry marks her debut in this particular series, Sophie is far from a new face in the entertainment industry. She started her career as a child actress and has since built an impressive resume that explains why so many viewers find her familiar.
Her Breakout Role in “The Book Thief”
Sophie Nélisse’s big break came at the young age of 13 when she landed a leading role in the 2013 war drama The Book Thief. The film, based on the internationally acclaimed novel, is set in Nazi Germany and tells the story of a young girl who finds solace in stealing books. Sophie played the lead role of Liesel Meminger, a part that required great emotional depth and maturity.
Her performance was met with widespread critical praise. It earned her a Critics’ Choice Award nomination for Best Young Actor/Actress and she also won the Spotlight Award at the Hollywood Film Awards for her work. This early success established her as a serious talent to watch and introduced her to a global audience.
Why Most Viewers Recognize Her: “Yellowjackets”
If you watch popular television, this is likely where you know Sophie Nélisse from. She holds a major role on the hit Showtime survival drama series Yellowjackets. The show follows a high school girls’ soccer team whose plane crashes in the wilderness, and the series alternates between their desperate struggle to survive in the 1990s and their complicated adult lives decades later.
Sophie portrays the teenage version of Shauna Shipman, a character whose adult counterpart is played by Melanie Lynskey. Teenage Shauna is a complex figure who evolves from a seemingly reticent teammate into a domineering and ruthless survivor, central to the group’s dark descent. Sophie’s performance has been pivotal to the show’s success, capturing a character filled with hidden darkness and sharp intelligence.
In an interview, Sophie spoke about understanding Shauna’s complicated nature. She explained that Shauna’s actions in the wilderness stem from a desire to feel alive after a mundane life at home.
“I don’t think her nature is to be cruel, but I definitely do think that there’s a sense of darkness within her,” Sophie said. “Transgressing those rules of society and normalcy is what makes her feel alive. I don’t think her intent is ever to be harmful, but rather just to feel something again.”
Her work on Yellowjackets has made her a familiar face to a massive audience and cemented her status as a standout performer in a critically adored series.
Also Read:
- Survivor 49 Runner-Up Sophi Balerdi Reflects on Her Gameplay and Journey in Exit Interview
- Speed and Love Episodes 19-20: Release Info, Episode Recap, and New Episode Preview
- Wonder Man First Official Clip Out: Simon Williams Meets Trevor Slattery
- Netflix’s Assassin’s Creed Casts Laura Marcus, Its Youngest Series Regular Yet
- Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage Showrunner Confirms Major Season 1 Twist Will Be Resolved After Hiatus
- It: Welcome to Derry Season 2 Plot: 1935 Story, Time Twist, and Bob Gray Details
The Real-Life Inspiration for Her “Heated Rivalry” Role
The storyline of a famous actress dating a Montreal hockey star might remind some viewers of modern celebrity couplings. However, series creator Jacob Tierney has clarified that Rose and Shane’s relationship was not inspired by any current headlines. Instead, he drew from what he calls “specific Montreal lore.” For years, major Hollywood films like the X-Men series were shot in Montreal, often bringing A-list stars to the city.
“The inspiration is Jennifer Lawrence and the X-Men movies,” Tierney told Entertainment Weekly, referring to the period when Lawrence filmed in Montreal.
This real-world context adds an authentic layer to Rose’s character. She is portrayed as an actress in town to film a big event movie, much like real stars who have worked on location in Montreal, creating a believable scenario for how she and Shane would cross paths.
Other Notable Roles and Projects
Beyond her two most famous roles, Sophie Nélisse has built a diverse career in both English and French-language projects. She first gained attention in the Canadian film Monsieur Lazhar, a drama about an Algerian immigrant teacher and his students. She has also appeared in other films such as Whistle and the French-Canadian movie The Undetectable (L’indétectable).
She is also expanding her skills behind the camera. Sophie has expressed interest in writing and producing, seeing it as a valuable way to understand all aspects of filmmaking without the pressure of performing.
“I like the idea of knowing a bit of everything,” she shared. “I love the idea of knowing how a script got written, so let me try to write one for myself… It’s the same with producing—just to do it and see the background work of an entire production I think is really important.”
Where to Watch “Heated Rivalry”
Heated Rivalry premiered in Canada on the streaming service Crave on November 28, 2025. For viewers in the United States, Australia, and other selected regions, the series is available to stream on HBO Max. The first season consists of six episodes, with new episodes releasing weekly. The series has already been renewed for a second season.
Also Read: Hijack Season 2 Cast Guide: Idris Elba and Who Else Is Back on the Train
