Heated Rivalry’s François Arnaud says U.S. streamers didn’t want any kissing until episode 5
WORDS BY JORDAN ROBLEDO François Arnaud has shared major behind-the-scenes insights from Heated Rivalry season one. Over the past few months, the gay hockey romance series – starring Connor Storrie and… The post Heated Rivalry’s François Arnaud says U.S. streamers didn’t want any kissing until episode 5 appeared first on GAY TIMES.
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WORDS BY JORDAN ROBLEDO
François Arnaud has shared major behind-the-scenes insights from Heated Rivalry season one.
Over the past few months, the gay hockey romance series – starring Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams– has captured the attention of gays, girls and theys around the world.
Created by Jacob Tierney and based on Rachel Reid’s hit novel of the same name, Heated Rivalry follows Shane Hollander (Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Storrie), two elite professional hockey players whose fierce rivalry on the ice contrasts with a secret romantic relationship off it.
The series also explores the passionate love story between fellow hockey player Scott Hunter (Arnaud) and history graduate student Kip Grady (Robbie G.K.).
Since its release, Heated Rivalry has become a breakout hit, praised for its decade-spanning romance, Tierney’s direction, Storrie and Williams’ electric performances, and its unapologetic portrayal of gay love.
However, before finding a home at Crave and breaking into the cultural mainstream, the series faced several hurdles with its original streaming home, according to Arnaud.
“I don’t think this show could have been made in the U.S,” the Midnight, Texas star said during a recent appearance on CBS Mornings with Gayle King and Vladimir Duthiers.
“It was set up at a big streamer before, and they had so many notes and so many thoughts on what that show could be that Jacob [Tierney] decided to leave them and get it made in Canada,” he explained.
“Granted, [it was] a much smaller budget, but he was like, ‘I can do the show that I want to make’, and I think that is what people are responding to. And I think, in a way, it’s a huge lesson for Hollywood people. Like, this is a ‘niche show’ with no movie stars, and it’s a much bigger sensation.”
When asked about the type of feedback Tierney received, Arnaud revealed that the unidentified streamer suggested “no kissing until episode five,” adding: “[Tierney] was like, ‘Well, that’s not what we’re doing!”
Back in December, Crave and HBO confirmed that Shane and Ilya would return for a second season of Heated Rivalry.
While plot details remain under wraps, the upcoming episodes are also expected to further explore Scott and Kip’s relationship, following the couple’s public coming-out in episode five.
When asked about his hopes for Scott and Kip’s trajectory in season two, Arnaud said: “I’m hoping to see what reality has in store for them. A relationship between someone who’s famous, has a giant platform, and someone who didn’t choose that for themselves, there are still challenges that come with that.”
That wasn’t all the Heated Rivalry tea the star shared during his appearance on CBS Mornings.
Before his on-camera interview, The Borgias actor spoke to King backstage about his journey with the show, revealing that his former managers “refused to read” the scripts.
“They were like, ‘We can’t push you for big things if you’re going to be doing a random mini series abroad,’” he explained.
Arnaud added that he’s now working with different managers.
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The post Heated Rivalry’s François Arnaud says U.S. streamers didn’t want any kissing until episode 5 appeared first on GAY TIMES.
