Actor Justice Smith has broken his silence on Instagram following fan backlash over his casting as Harris Drover in television drama Game Changers.
The American actor asked followers for an opportunity to prove himself before judging his performance, promising to take good care of the character in the upcoming second season.
Smith was officially announced alongside Canadian actor Charlie Gillespie, who will star as Troy Barrett. The pair will play the central romantic couple from Role Model, a novel in Rachel Reid's Game Changers book series that will feature heavily in the new episodes.
Posting to his Instagram stories just one day after the casting announcement, Smith said he was moved by private messages from supportive fans. He noted that many followers had welcomed him warmly and already seemed to feel protective over him against online criticism.
Smith acknowledged the deep affection readers hold for the character created by Reid. He said he felt honoured to take on the role and asked fans to give him a chance to show what he could bring to the screen, adding that he was more than excited for the production ahead.
Controversy over physical description
The casting news sparked immediate debate among readers of the novels, primarily due to physical differences between Smith and the book character. Fans highlighted that Harris is depicted in Reid's writing as having a heavier, bulkier build that differs from traditional hockey player body types, a physical trait many consider central to his representation.
Rather than confronting critics or defending his selection directly, Smith shared an image of an apple orchard alongside his message. The picture served as a subtle nod to readers familiar with the books, where Harris's family operates an apple orchard that forms a key setting in his romance with Troy.
Smith is known for his roles in major feature films including Pokemon Detective Pikachu and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Gillespie previously starred in the musical series Julie and the Phantoms. Author Rachel Reid built a dedicated international following through her Game Changers novel series, which explores queer romances within professional ice hockey.
Author and producers defend casting
Author Rachel Reid responded to the online debate on her own Instagram stories. Reid reminded readers that previous casting choices had also faced initial scepticism, noting that fans originally questioned the selection of Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie for the roles of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov.
Series creator Jacob Tierney, the Canadian writer and director known for Letterkenny, alongside executive producer Brendan Brady, backed the casting choices. The producers said Smith and Gillespie demonstrated an instant connection with the vulnerability and strength that define Harris and Troy.
Smith has opted to let his screen performance address any lingering doubts among fans. The actor requested time and confidence from viewers as production progresses on season two, focusing on bringing his own interpretation of Harris Drover to television screens.
