"Had my own biases": Heated Rivalry star Hudson Williams reveals what he learned about himself while filming the HBO Max sports drama

Heated Rivalry has become synonymous with a cultural phenomenon in Hollywood since its release on HBO Max.

The series features Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams as professional hockey players, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollandeer. Their onscreen chemistry has sparked GIFs and memes across social media platforms and helped the show garner viewership worldwide.

In a recent press interaction, William shared details about his filming experience in the sports drama and revealed how the role took him out of his comfort zone. The performer discussed everything from the emotional depth needed for his character to the huge success of the story.

For Williams, Heated Rivalry became more than just another acting gig. It changed him and led him on a journey of self-discovery that challenged his view of vulnerability and affection.

When asked what he learned about himself while filming the show, the actor said (via Variety):

"That’s a good question. I think I had my own biases, maybe that would be too strong of a word, but my own discomfort if I expressed myself fully, physically and affectionately, both with women and men. It would feel inappropriate. I realized if you really do love someone - platonically or not - I’m such a tactile, sensory person."

"There are so many taboos. It’s much harder on men. I had to let that go, and I got to learn how freeing that is. That also went hand-in-hand with being myself, truly as an artist. Connor was also a great person to have at my side. I think we both opened each other up to just be freer, more fully expressive.

Navigating personal barriers in Heated Rivarly

Williams learned something unexpected about himself during the production of the show. He realized that he carried some discomfort about expressing himself physically.

While shooting for Heated Rivalry, he completely changed his perception and learned to let go of these self-restrictions, adopting a more open approach to showing care for others. The experience helped him understand how liberating it feels to express intense emotions openly and honestly.

His co-star Conner Storries played a huge role in his transformation. Together, they created an easy and safe environment for Williams to explore genuine connection and vulnerability.

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The experience of filming intimate scenes in Heated Rivarly

The Heated Rivarly star was also asked about the first sex scenes of the characters. He went on to admit feeling scared about being naked during high school.

However, acting helped him overcome these fears with time. Hudson Williams worked through unsettling situations in acting classes and independent moves before getting this role.

His first major intimate sequence in the show with Storrie involved getting entirely naked while his co-star was fully dressed. The actor was initially concerned about bringing discomfort to the crew members on the set. However, he realized the team was very understanding and warm in accepting every sort of scene and also open to the changing dynamics in the project.

This support gave him a safe space to focus on his performance and give his best. Williams grew more at ease with both his physical self and sexuality through this process.

The impact of sudden fame in Heated Rivalry

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The overwhelmingly positive response to Heated Rivalry by the viewers caught Hudson Williams off guard. He expressed that his experience was spectacular, with many people reaching out to him every day. The actor appreciates the opportunities but also admits that the randomness of several projects feels challenging.

Storrie and Williams have formed a good friendship off-screen, sharing apartments during the show's press tours as well. Their authentic bond mirrors the connection of their characters that the audience witnessed in Heated Rivalry. The series's success confirms that queer stories are resonating with viewers worldwide. Hudson Williams mainly emerged from a Heated Rivalry as a versatile performer.

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