Jack Innanen Turned Down Heated Rivalry Role
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- Jack Innanen was offered a starring role on Season 2 of "The Heated Rivalry" but turned it down due to scheduling conflicts, he told CBS Mornings, adding he can't disclose which character he was offered.
- Innanen had run a fan-powered social media campaign targeting characters Wyatt Hayes from "The Long Game" or Troy Barrett from "Role Model" in the Jacob Tierney-created adaptation of Rachel Reid's Game Changers books.
- The actor told Entertainment Tonight he'd "had some conversations" with the show's team, pitching himself as "perfect for the show because I am down for anything—and I played hockey."
- Innanen is currently reprising his role as Paul Baker in Season 2 of the FX comedy "Adults," which begins with the standalone prequel episode "Marathon Day" streaming July 31 on FXX and Hulu, ahead of the show's official return Aug. 27.
- Innanen called "The Heated Rivalry" "such an incredible show" and said he "love[s] Jacob, love[s] everyone involved," declining to elaborate on why the deal fell through.
Why it matters: Innanen's scheduling conflict is tied to FX's "Adults" Season 2, which already has a July 31 prequel drop locked in — meaning "The Heated Rivalry" loses a self-selected fan-favorite casting pick to a competing comedy that was already on his dance card when he started campaigning.
