‘Heated Rivalry’ to Release in Movie Theaters, Two Episodes at a Time

Forget about going to the cottage. “Heated Rivalry” fans will be going to movie theaters in November. Almost a year after the queer hockey romance series premiered in the U.S., Regal will release all six episodes in more than 650 theaters nationwide for a limited run Nov. 6-30. “When a series connects with audiences the way ‘Heated Rivalry’ has, we look for ways to bring it to the big screen and give fans a reason to experience it together,” Brooks LeBoeuf, senior vice president of U.S. content at Regal, said in a statement Thursday. “Nearly a year after its premiere, we’re proud to work with our partners to turn a season fans have watched again and again into a true theatrical event. It’s a chance to celebrate the story, its creators and its performances before Season 2 arrives in 2027.” Based on Rachel Reid’s bestselling novels, “Heated Rivalry” follows rival hockey players Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) as they secretly fall in love. The series quickly became a global hit, with Williams and Storrie becoming two of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors. Written and directed by Jacob Tierney, “Heated Rivalry,” currently in production of its second season, also features François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang, Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, Sophie Nélisse and Dylan Walsh. Popular on Variety During the theatrical run, which Regal is leading in partnership with Sphere Abacus, moviegoers can revisit the series in order across three paired screenings: Episodes 1 and 2 (“Rookies” and “Olympians”), Episodes 3 and 4 (“Hunter” and “Rose”), and Episodes 5 and 6 (“I’ll Believe in Anything” and “The Cottage”). Tickets for each pairing cost $9.99. “‘Heated Rivalry’ is a global phenomenon creating a rush of social media and press activity wherever it lands,” said Hana Palmer, executive director, global distribution and partnerships at Sphere Abacus. “We’re very excited to give audiences the opportunity to watch the drama unfold on big screens in North America, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand.” Regal screenings will also feature welcome content from the series’ cast and director, while participating locations will offer limited-time themed cocktails: Summer in Montreal and Russians Don’t Blush. In-theater marketing support is provided by PaperAirplane. Advance tickets for “Heated Rivalry” are available now at theater box offices, on mobile apps and through REGmovies.com.