Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, the stars of the hit series Heated Rivalry, have shared that filming the show’s graphic and frequent intimate scenes was surprisingly easier than shooting the hockey sequences. The actors opened up about the physical demands of both, explaining the detailed preparation that made the sex scenes feel safe and the hockey scenes feel painfully authentic.
The show, which is based on Rachel Reid‘s Game Changers novels, follows the secret, years-long affair between two rival NHL players, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander. It has gained rapid popularity for its unapologetically queer storytelling and its explicit, emotionally charged intimate moments.
What Was Actually Harder to Film
In recent interviews, the actors were direct about which part of their job was more physically taxing.
Hudson Williams said, “I’d rather do the sex scenes because the hockey scenes—my feet hurt and then I cramp and I’m not that good, so I have to be very diligent with making sure I don’t look like a phony. But with the sex scenes, we rehearse them so heavily and we knew what we were gonna do going in, that they’re also a lot of fun”.
Connor Storrie agreed, highlighting the challenge of portraying elite athletes. He described the hockey filming as “very physically demanding” and noted that being on the ice under lights for long periods could be “almost nauseating”.
The contrast shows that while the sex scenes are what viewers talk about most, pretending to be professional hockey players presented its own unique set of grueling challenges for the actors.
How the Show’s Steamy Scenes Are Made
The production of Heated Rivalry uses an intimacy coordinator, Chala Hunter, to choreograph every intimate moment. This process turns what appears spontaneous on screen into a carefully planned sequence of movements.
Hunter explained that her goal is to create “a level of clarity and specificity” so the actors feel comfortable and artistically free. This involves detailed discussions about the emotional stakes of each scene and thorough physical rehearsal.
“It’s not ultimately that sexy,” Connor Storrie noted about filming these scenes. “It’s quite challenging sometimes for you to do it correctly”.
Technical tricks are used for safety and comfort. Actors wear specially padded garments, and camera angles are chosen carefully so that physical contact is often simulated rather than real. Hunter also makes it a point to discuss with actors that involuntary physical reactions can happen, aiming to remove any shame or panic from the process.
A Shift from Pure Lust to Deeper Feelings
The latest episode, titled ‘Rose’, marks a turning point in Ilya and Shane’s relationship. It moves beyond their usual secret hotel meetings into more domestic territory, including a scene where they cook tuna melts and cuddle on a couch.
This shift towards something that “looks like boyfriends” terrifies Shane’s character, causing him to pull away. Meanwhile, Ilya begins to show visible jealousy, signaling that their connection is evolving from a purely physical affair into a more complicated emotional bond.
The episode also introduces Sophie Nélisse as Rose Landry, a famous actress Shane begins publicly dating. Williams described this as a “tragic element” for Shane, as he’s able to have a celebrated public relationship with someone he doesn’t truly love, while his real love must remain hidden.
Fan Reactions and the Actors’ Response
The show’s success has turned its stars into overnight celebrities, with particular attention focused on their bodies. Storrie acknowledged that his “butt has been a big topic of conversation” among fans.
“I think I saw someone say that I am ‘America’s ass,’ which I was not expecting that at all,” Storrie said. “But, yeah, I love it. I’ll take it”.
This fame also brings speculation about the actors’ personal lives and sexual orientations. Williams addressed this directly, calling it “just the nature of celebrity”. Both actors emphasized their deep commitment to telling a queer story with authenticity and joy, while also valuing their personal privacy.
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Where to Watch and What’s Next
New episodes of Heated Rivalry are released every Friday on HBO Max in the United States and on Crave in Canada.
The series is planned for six episodes in its first season. While there has been no official announcement, the show’s strong popularity and its source material—a multi-book series—have led to speculation about a potential second season.
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