Heated Rivalry Episode 3 “Hunter” cast and characters: Here’s who brought the HBO Max series to life

Toronto Premiere Of "Heated Rivalry" - Source: Getty
Toronto Premiere Of "Heated Rivalry" - Source: Getty

Heated Rivalry Episode 3 is titled Hunter and takes the spotlight from the primary characters Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander. It portrays Scott Hunter, the captain of the New York Admirals hockey team, struggling with the pressure of hiding his identity and sexual orientation. He meets Kip Grady in Heated Rivalry Episode 3, with whom his relationship transforms into a romantic one.

Francois Arnaud plays Scott Hunter, and Robbie G.K. plays Kip Grady. Kip and Scott's relationship, though, is shown as a side story; it could be a reflection of how even Ilya and Hollander's romance could be, and the kind of pressure players usually face about being open about their identity.

Read on to know the complete cast and character guide of episode 3 of Heated Rivalry.


Here is the complete list of who brought Heated Rivalry episode 3 to life

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François Arnaud plays Scott Hunter

As mentioned, episode 3 was more about Scott Hunter, portrayed by Francois Arnaud. Just like the primary characters, he was another closeted captain of the New York Admirals hockey team. Scott only appears briefly in the show, but he becomes a central character in episode 3, which adapts the story from the Game Changer book series by Rachel Reid.

Scott, like Shane and Ilya, is struggling with the pressure of hiding his sexuality in the world of professional sports. The actor, according to reports, publicly came out as bisexual in 2020 on Bi Visibility Day, openly embracing his identity in real life.

Robbie G.K. plays Kip Grady

Kip Grady appears for the first time in Heated Rivalry episode 3 and is played by Robbie G.K. His character comes as a contrast to the bunch of closeted athletes who are compelled to keep a cover of their hyper masculine traits. Kip's presence adds a new emotional tone to the narrative. Kip is not the athlete, unlike the other characters. He isn't secretive about his identity as well, but is openly queer and owns a smoothie shop barista. His kindness, warmth, and authenticity become the grounding force in Scott Hunter's life.

Toronto Premiere Of "Heated Rivalry" - Source: Getty
Toronto Premiere Of "Heated Rivalry" - Source: Getty

Nadine Bhabha plays Elena

Elena is portrayed to be Kip's close friend and plays a crucial grounding role in his life. Played by Elena, this character makes Kip see how much he is sacrificing by slipping into a hidden relationship with Scott. This is something that goes against his naturally open and proud identity, but Elena's influence doesn't stop with Kip. She also confronts Scott, making him understand that he deserves more than a life built on secrecy and fear.

It is Elena's tough love and honesty, and she pushed both men to realize that real love should be proud and not hidden away, regardless of what their future holds.

The other two characters that appear in episode 3 of Heated Rivalry are the ones the show can't do away with. IIya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, played by Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, respectively. In the first two episodes, they emerge as the star players of two rival hockey teams of Boston and Montreal who often play against each other. This makes the two of them spend a lot of time together, leading to a heated romance between the two.

Edited by Zainab Shaikh