Heated Rivalry Sparks Debate: Why The Actors' Sexuality Isn'T The Point on OnlyLikeFans

  • By Nico
  • Dec. 3, 2025, 8:05 a.m.

HBO Max’s New Flame: Heated Rivalry

The buzz around HBO Max’s sizzling romance series Heated Rivalry is undeniable. With Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams leading the charge, fans are curious about the actors’ real-life sexual orientations. As the spotlight shines on these stars, the debate over whether gay roles should be reserved for LGBTQ+ actors reignites.

Historically, the media has been abuzz with discussions on the appropriateness of straight actors taking on gay roles. While recent trends lean towards casting LGBTQ+ actors for such characters, Heated Rivalry takes a different stance as shared by its creator, Jacob Tierney.

Creator’s Insight: Why Sexuality Takes a Backseat

During a candid chat with Xtra, Jacob Tierney, alongside stars Connor and Hudson, tackled the question of the actors’ sexuality head-on. "I’ll answer this for them," Jacob confidently remarked, pivoting the conversation away from personal identities. "I don’t think there’s any reason to get into that stuff," he stated, emphasizing that casting is more about the actors' passion for the role.

“You can’t ask questions like that when you’re casting, right? It’s actually against the law,” Tierney pointed out. “What you have to gauge is somebody’s enthusiasm and willingness to do the work."

Jacob applauded both Connor and Hudson for their authentic portrayals, driven purely by their readiness to embrace the story. He noted their impeccable chemistry, which was palpable during auditions. "Their chemistry was just insane," he gushed, recalling the moment they read together.

On-Screen Magic: Chemistry Wins the Day

The casting of Connor and Hudson was sealed by their undeniable on-screen connection. Jacob reminisced about the audition that solidified their roles, highlighting that it was "always going to be about chemistry." He shared his excitement about their performance, stating, "We couldn’t ask for more."

With the series heating up screens everywhere, fans are eagerly consuming every steamy moment, including the buzz-worthy photos released so far. Meanwhile, the author of the book on which the series is based is also chiming in, addressing fan speculation over a particular racy photo within the show.

Get ready to dive into the world of Heated Rivalry as it explores the depths of passion, chemistry, and the boundaries of on-screen storytelling.

Nico
Author: Nico
Nico

Nico

Nico tracks the pulse of SoCal creator culture - from WeHo nights to TikTok mornings. He chases viral moments, fan deals, collabs, and live events with fast, human coverage. Expect Q&As, “Hot Now” briefs, and field notes that tell you what’s popping and why it matters. If it’s trending by noon, Nico had it at breakfast.