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Connor Storrie’s New Ventures Beyond “Heated Rivalry”
After the success of Heated Rivalry on HBO Max, actor Connor Storrie has found himself in a whirlwind of opportunities. The show, which follows a secret romance between two rival hockey players, has become one of the most talked-about series of the year. While season 2 is set to release eventually, Storrie is already exploring new creative avenues.
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Storrie revealed that he plans to delve into directing and writing in addition to acting. He is currently working on an indie film that he describes as “Sean Baker-esque,” shot entirely on an iPhone.
“A big part of my career and what I want to do right now with the show is I write and direct myself. I’m in the middle of doing an iPhone feature, this super indie kind of Sean Baker-esque film because I’m making it on an iPhone. I just want to develop as a filmmaker, too, alongside Heated Rivalry. I consider myself somewhat of a character actor in the sense that I really like to transform, as seen on the show. I want to be able to do that again too, see what that’s all about.”
Storrie’s schedule is packed with filming his movie, attending high-profile events, and meeting with industry professionals. One of these events is the upcoming Golden Globes, where he and co-star Hudson Williams will present a category. Storrie expressed excitement about being in the same room as so many big stars.
“I’ve said this before, I don’t really have the time to process it, and that’s true. We were doing things every single day from Nov. 19 until Dec. 20. I had a little break for the holidays. To be honest with you, I just really try to center myself on the creative projects that I’m actively writing. I’m doing this iPhone feature that I’ve also been trying to tackle on top of doing all of this. I have a few events in the next few nights and the days leading up, from like 7 a.m. until 4 p.m., so I’m shooting my movie, going home, getting ready and then going to whatever meetings or events I have. Having something active to do is what makes it doable.”
Storrie’s agents are currently discussing several exciting opportunities with him. These projects are described as “cool and bold and swing big.” Alongside wanting to work with the best actors in the industry, Storrie emphasizes the importance of “vibes” when considering new roles. He believes that a good creative connection with filmmakers is crucial.
“They’re bringing me a bunch of cool opportunities that I can’t even believe I’m having. I’m just trying to do things that are cool and bold and swing big. I’m just talking to people and feeling it out. I’m very big on vibes too, because I think that even though you want to work with the best of the best or have parts that are ideally really cool, at the end of the day, it comes down to vibe. It’s really about meeting people and seeing if you’re on the same creative wavelength. That’s why I think something like Heated Rivalry did what it did. Me and Hudson before this weren’t even nothing, but we just had such a good rapport with each other and Jacob.”
Despite the success of Heated Rivalry, Storrie hasn’t had much time to read through the scripts sent his way for future projects. However, with many plane trips coming up, he plans to use that time to settle down and review potential roles since he “can’t really sleep on planes.”
When he does get the chance to read through the scripts, Storrie has a specific role in mind. Recently, he mentioned that he wants to be cast in a “Shane Hollander type of role,” which is Williams’ character on Heated Rivalry. He also expressed interest in playing Cate Blanchett’s son in a film.
Fans have drawn comparisons between Storrie and Williams to Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves, respectively, suggesting they could star in a remake of the 1991 film Point Break, which is being turned into a TV show.
When it comes to negotiating his return to Heated Rivalry and securing roles in other projects, Storrie relies on his lawyer and business manager to handle the legal and financial aspects of the job. This allows him to focus on what he loves most.
“I’m happy I get to make money doing what I want to do, and I’m just happy that I’m not waiting tables anymore,” he admitted to the outlet.
“To be honest, I have a lawyer and a business manager now, so I have someone who kind of gets to do the deals for me. I’m surviving. I’m happy. I’m happy I get to make money doing what I want to do and I’m just happy that I’m not waiting tables anymore. That’s all I’ll say, money-wise.”
Before Heated Rivalry, Storrie’s most prominent role was in Joker: Folie à Deux as an inmate who transforms into the Joker by the end of the movie. Although the film underperformed at the box office and received poor reviews, there remains an open door for Storrie to play the villain someday if the opportunity arises. With Williams wanting to play Nightwing in a DC project, the two Heated Rivalry stars could find themselves on the big screen together someday.
No matter what roles Storrie accepts in the future, he is grateful for the chance to dive into a career he loves and work on projects that fulfill his creative side. One of those projects will be Heated Rivalry season 2, which fans are eagerly anticipating.