In the latest episode of the popular queer sports drama “Heated Rivalry,” fans were taken by surprise when the focus shifted from the passionate relationship between Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov to a new romance between Scott Hunter and Kip. François Arnaud, who plays Scott Hunter, shared his thoughts on this unexpected turn of events.
Arnaud expressed his initial surprise at the storyline, describing it as a “tonal shift” from the previous episodes. Unlike Shane and Ilya’s casual hookups, Scott and Kip’s relationship delves into deeper emotional territory. Scott struggles with being in the closet and grapples with the fear of being seen with Kip in public. The episode culminates in a poignant moment where Scott’s internal conflicts lead to a heartbreaking decision that affects their budding romance.
The episode received mixed reactions from viewers, with some praising the emotional depth of Scott and Kip’s storyline, while others were taken aback by the departure from the steamy scenes that characterized the earlier episodes. Arnaud defended the creative choice, emphasizing the emotional complexity of Scott’s character and the authenticity of his struggle to reconcile his feelings with his past decisions.
“Heated Rivalry,” based on Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” novel series, has garnered widespread attention since its premiere on HBO Max. The show has been likened to “Normal People” for its raw and intimate portrayal of relationships, resonating with audiences who appreciate its nuanced approach to storytelling.
For Arnaud, taking on the role of Scott was a challenging but rewarding experience. He credited writer and director Jacob Tierney for crafting a compelling narrative that goes beyond the surface-level romance and delves into the characters’ inner turmoil. Arnaud’s own journey of coming out as bisexual in 2020 added a personal dimension to his portrayal of Scott, allowing him to tap into his own experiences to bring authenticity to the role.
In a recent interview, Arnaud echoed Tierney’s sentiments about the importance of not reducing actors to their sexualities during the casting process. He emphasized the need to focus on an actor’s talent and commitment to the role, rather than making assumptions based on their personal lives. Arnaud also shared insights into his on-screen chemistry with Robbie G.K., who plays Kip, revealing that their first meeting was during an intimate scene rehearsal with an intimacy coordinator.
As “Heated Rivalry” continues to captivate audiences with its compelling storytelling and complex characters, Arnaud’s portrayal of Scott Hunter stands out as a poignant exploration of love, identity, and self-acceptance. The show’s willingness to push boundaries and challenge stereotypes sets it apart as a groundbreaking series that defies expectations and sparks important conversations about representation in media. “We were making dick jokes before the sex scenes, but as soon as the cameras were rolling, we were clocked in and tuned into the reality of these characters, and we didn’t feel like laughing,” Arnaud says.
One particular moment that stood out to Arnaud was the decision to “retool” the dynamic between Scott, the superstar hockey player, and the smoothie boy. While the initial assumption was that Scott would be the top and the smoothie boy the bottom, the creators wanted to subvert this expectation and show a different side of Scott. “I think that shows a sign of vulnerability for [Scott], which I think is much more relatable than just confining him to a box,” Arnaud explains.
The nakedness of “Heated Rivalry” also presented a challenge for Arnaud. “Hockey players aren’t as ripped as these characters,” he notes. “They’re thicker. They have these thick thighs like tree trunks. That is not my body type. But I wanted to look like someone who’s a professional athlete. So I worked out a lot. But then, as usual, on the actual day where I’m supposed to be naked, I kind of panicked and ate a bunch of donuts at craft services.”
In a touching gesture, Kip gives Scott a pair of blue socks with banana imprints to remind him of the blueberry and banana smoothies he first ordered from the smoothie shop. Scott wears them during his games for good luck, adding a personal touch to his performance on the ice.
As for the possibility of a second season, Arnaud remains hopeful. “It’s a massive hit — I can’t imagine not. I just don’t know how involved I would be,” he shares. When asked about a potential Scott spin-off, he teasingly hints at talks being in progress.
Looking ahead to the season finale, Arnaud teases a powerful and emotional climax involving all the characters. “There’s a big moment, the emotional climax of the season involving all the characters that we’ve gotten to know,” he reveals. “I watched it, and I started crying. Jacob came into the room, and he was crying. Then we just held each other. It’s really powerful.”
As the series continues to captivate audiences with its heartfelt storytelling and authentic portrayals, fans eagerly await the next chapter in the lives of Scott and the other characters. With a blend of humor, heart, and genuine emotion, “Heated Rivalry” has solidified its place as a must-watch series in the world of sports dramas.
