Funko Releases 'Heated Rivalry' Collectibles
The beloved series 'Heated Rivalry' has expanded its merchandise empire with the introduction of new Funko Pop! figurines. Fans can now acquire figures of the central characters, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, as well as an exclusive two-pack. This launch aligns with the forthcoming second season of the show and adds to the already successful range of related products, including the recently released soundtrack and special edition Blu-ray/DVD sets.
'Heated Rivalry' Universe Expands with New Merchandise and Season Two Preparations
On July 23, 2026, Funko officially introduced a new collection of Pop! figures for the popular series 'Heated Rivalry.' These highly anticipated collectibles feature the show's main characters, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, and a special two-character set. The figures are currently available for pre-order, with an estimated shipping date of December 15, 2026. This release follows the successful launch of the show's physical soundtrack, which achieved impressive chart performance, including debuting at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 and topping the Vinyl Albums and Soundtracks charts.
In other 'Heated Rivalry' news, special edition Blu-ray and DVD versions of the first season have been made available for pre-order. Additionally, the cover for Tierney's upcoming book, 'I'll Believe in Anything: The Making of Heated Rivalry,' has been unveiled, with an annotated script collection slated for an October release. The series, which originated on Canadian streamer Crave and is available on HBO Max in the U.S., draws its narrative from Reid's popular romance novels set in a fictional hockey world. The first season adapted the second novel, also titled 'Heated Rivalry,' and was created, written, and directed by Tierney. The story follows the evolving relationship between two rival professional hockey players, Canada-born Shane Hollander (portrayed by Hudson Williams) of the Montreal Metros and Russia-born Ilya Rozanov (played by Connor Storrie) of the Boston Raiders. Both Williams and Storrie have risen to stardom following their roles in the series.
The show's success led to an early renewal for a second season by Crave, with HBO Max confirming its continued broadcast. Production for the second season is scheduled for the summer, targeting a spring 2027 release. This upcoming season will be based on 'The Long Game' and 'Role Model,' the next installments in Shane and Ilya's narrative within Reid's book series. Furthermore, author Rachel Reid recently announced her seventh book in the 'Game Changers' series, 'Unrivaled,' which will further explore Shane and Ilya's story and is expected to be released in June 2027.
The expansion of the 'Heated Rivalry' franchise into various forms of media and merchandise highlights its growing cultural impact and dedicated fan base. The release of Funko Pop! figures, coupled with new book and physical media offerings, demonstrates a strategic effort to cater to the show's enthusiasts and broaden its reach. This multi-platform approach ensures that fans can engage with the beloved characters and their story in numerous ways, from collecting figurines to anticipating future literary and on-screen developments. The continued success and expansion of 'Heated Rivalry' underscore the enduring appeal of its characters and narrative, solidifying its place in contemporary popular culture.
