Key Highlights
- Interview with Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie conducted before the release of Heated Rivalry.
- Williams and Storrie discuss their chemistry on screen and off, highlighting their shared intimacy as actors.
- The interview reveals insights into their characters’ motivations and inner struggles.
- Details about the casting process and first scenes filmed by Williams and Storrie are shared.
The Making of Heated Rivalry: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
Before they were household names, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie sat down for an interview about their roles in the upcoming TV series Heated Rivalry. The conversation, conducted on November 11, 2025, offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of this queer romance sensation.
The Chemistry Read
Jacob Tierney, the creator of Heated Rivalry, had already seen potential in Williams and Storrie during their chemistry read. “I knew they were right as soon as I saw them together,” he told Teen Vogue. The cast’s first-ever interview, conducted before the show’s premiere, reveals how their on-screen relationship was formed from the start.
Understanding Their Characters
Williams and Storrie discuss their characters’ inner lives. “I think Ilya likes Shane because he’s very earnest,” says Storrie. “Shane is easy to read, which I find charming.” Williams adds, “Shane sees hockey and life in a different way, and Ilya is his counterpart who pushes him out of his comfort zone.” This dynamic drives the characters’ evolution.
The First Scenes Filmed
Williams and Storrie recount their first day on set. “We shot a sex scene on our very first day,” Williams reveals, referring to what would become known as the “Show me” scene in episode two. The interview details how the actors navigated these intense scenes with an intimacy coordinator.
Insights into Their Roles
The actors share their thoughts on the inner struggles of their characters. “Shane has a clear need for control, while Ilya is more powerful and less regulated,” says Storrie. Williams adds, “For Shane, falling in love with Ilya was about reconciling his internalized homophobia and understanding himself.” These insights provide a deeper understanding of the characters’ development.
With Heated Rivalry now dominating the cultural conversation, this interview serves as a time capsule of the show’s early days. Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie’s journey from unknown actors to cultural icons is nothing short of extraordinary.