Heated Rivalry’s Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie Olympic Role Revealed

Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie aren’t just heating things up on the ice.

I was so thrilled to hear that the amazing cast of Heated Rivalry will be carrying the Olympic torch at the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina! HBO Max made the announcement on January 22nd, and honestly, it couldn’t have made me happier for them. They truly deserve this recognition!

Although Hudson and Connor aren’t competing in the Winter Olympics like their characters did on TV during the 2014 Sochi Games, they will still be involved – they’re among the 10,001 people carrying the Olympic torch.

The Olympic torch relay started on November 26th and will finish at the opening ceremony on February 6th. It’s currently traveling through Venice, Italy, and will arrive in Trieste on January 23rd.

The cast has had an incredible few months since the passionate gay hockey romance – based on the novel by Rachel Reid – became a popular success with both critics and audiences around the world.

Hudson shared on the January 20th episode of the Shut Up Evan podcast that he’s spent years fitting the stereotype of a struggling actor, constantly working just to make ends meet and hoping for any acting job, not just a good one. He explained that he and his Succession co-star, Connor, had to quickly gain experience that typically takes other actors five years to develop, all within about 30 days.

The 24-year-old emphasized that he’s had to “learn quick and try to build a sense of direction.”

Connor, like Hudson, will be back for another season of Heated Rivalry, and he’s also been adjusting to his newfound popularity.

The 25-year-old told The Hollywood Reporter in December that they felt incredibly grateful. They explained that growing up in today’s world means being very aware of social media and how connected people are, which has helped them connect with fans. They’re feeling positive and are handling the attention well, saying, ‘I’m doing good, and I haven’t been overwhelmed yet!’

With Connor and Hudson getting ready to star in a new project connected to the Winter Olympics, here are some other books that have been adapted for the screen.

This movie is based on Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel and stars Paul Mescal, Jessie Buckley, Joe Alwyn, and Emily Watson. It premieres in theaters on December 12th. The film tells a fictionalized story of the tragic death of William Shakespeare’s 11-year-old son. The book was incredibly captivating, and the movie, directed by Chloé Zhao (who also co-wrote the screenplay with O’Farrell), promises to be equally powerful and unforgettable.

Based On: Freida McFadden’s 2022 novel

Starring: Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar and Michele Marrone

Premieres: In theaters December 19

We’re really looking forward to this new adaptation because of its incredible cast. The story centers around a maid who discovers dark secrets within a wealthy family. Plus, Paul Feig, known for his twisty thrillers like A Simple Favor, is directing, so we expect a suspenseful and exciting experience.

Based on: Alice Feeney’s 2020 Novel

The film stars Tessa Thompson, Jon Bernthal, Pablo Schreiber, Crystal Fox, Sunita Mani, and Rebecca Rittenhouse.

Premieres: January 8, 2026, on Netflix

We’re hooked by this suspenseful thriller! It centers around someone who’s been living in isolation returning to their hometown, and the mystery deepens when they become connected to a murder investigation. A local detective, played by recent Emmy winner Bernthal, is determined to uncover the truth.

This film is adapted from Emily Henry’s 2021 novel and stars Tom Blyth, Emily Bader, Lucian Laviscount, Jameela Jamil, Lukas Gage, and Sarah Catherine Hook.

Premieres: January 8, 2026, on Netflix

We’re thrilled to see Henry’s popular novels adapted for the screen! With impressive performances in films like The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and My Lady Jane, actors Blyth and Bader seem ideally cast as Alex and Poppy.

The upcoming Apple TV+ series is based on Laura Dave’s novel, The First Time I Saw Him, which will be available for purchase on January 6, 2026. The series stars Jennifer Garner, Angourie Rice, David Morse, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Judy Greer, and Rita Wilson, and will premiere on February 20, 2026.

Season two of the Apple TV+ series picks up five years after the events of The Last Thing He Told Me. Hannah Hall (Jennifer Garner) and her stepdaughter Bailey (Angourie Rice) have built a new life without Owen (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), Bailey’s father, but their peace is shattered when he unexpectedly reappears. Just as they’re starting to adjust, a devastating family tragedy throws them into a dangerous fight for survival.

Based On: Julia Quinn‘s 2001 Bridgerton novel An Offer From A Gentleman

The show stars Luke Thompson, Yerin Ha, Jonathan Bailey, Claudia Jessie, Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Adjoa Andoh, Ruth Gemmell, Katie Leung, Michelle Mao, and Isabella Wei.

Release Date: Part One: January 29, 2026; Part Two: February, 26, 2026, on Netflix

Fans will be thrilled to see Benedict Bridgerton finally find love in the next season after spending three seasons searching for his place in his family and understanding who he is. Joining the cast as his romantic interest, Sophie Baek, is newcomer Ha.

Based on: Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel

Release Date: In theaters February 13, 2026

Starring: Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie

We’re thrilled to announce a new adaptation of Wuthering Heights! Director Emerald Fennell, known for Saltburn, is working again with stars Jacob Elordi and Barry Keoghan to bring a fresh and unique take on the story of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff.

This film is based on the 2022 novel by Hoover. The cast includes Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers, Rudy Pankow, Lauren Graham, Bradley Whitford, Lainey Wilson, and Nicholas Duvernay. It will be released in theaters on February 13, 2026. The story follows Kenna, who returns to her hometown after five years hoping to reconnect with her daughter. She unexpectedly finds support from a local bar owner who offers her a second chance. Notably, the author of the bestselling novel also co-wrote the screenplay with Lauren Levine, making this adaptation particularly special.

This new series is based on the hugely popular books by Patricia Cornwell, which currently number 26. The show stars Nicole Kidman, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana DeBose, Bobby Cannavale, Simon Baker, and Jake Cannavale. It will premiere on Prime Video on March 11, 2026. We’re particularly excited because Nicole Kidman is known for starring in captivating shows based on books (like Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers, and The Undoing). Plus, the series features Oscar-winning actresses playing crime-solving sisters – it’s already shaping up to be a must-watch!

 

Based On: Andy Weir’s 2021 novel of the same name

Starring: Ryan GoslingSandra Hüller and Milana Vayntrub

Release Date: In theaters March 20, 2026

We’re thrilled about this new story! Ryan Gosling’s character has already been to space, but this time he’s facing an even bigger challenge. He wakes up from a coma as the only survivor of a mission to the Tau Ceti star system, 12 light-years away. Now, all alone, he has to finish the mission and prevent the sun from dimming – basically, he has to save the world!

Based on: Rufi Thorpe’s 2024 novel
Starring: Elle FanningMichelle Pfeiffer and Nicole Kidman

The series will debut on Apple TV on April 15, 2026. We’re particularly excited because of the casting of Nicole Kidman! The show is based on a fantastic book by Thorpe, which tells the story of a woman—the daughter of a former Hooters waitress and a pro-wrestler—who turns to OnlyFans after becoming a mother at 20. With Kidman on board, this eight-episode series is definitely one to watch.

Based on: Hoover‘s 2021 book

Starring: Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett

Premieres: In theaters May 15, 2026

I’m absolutely thrilled about this project! Honestly, the cast alone – Anne, Dakota, and Josh – has me hooked. The story itself is fantastic – it’s about a writer stepping in to finish a famous book series after something strange happens to the original author, and it’s full of surprises. But with these three incredibly talented actors bringing it to life, I know it’s going to be something really special. I can’t wait to see it!

Based On: The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, Stockard Channing, Dianne Weist, Joey King

Premieres: In theaters September 18, 2026

We’re thrilled to announce the long-awaited sequel! Nearly thirty years after the first film, this new story, based on a novel by Joe Hoffman, follows Sally, Gillian, Frances, and Jet as they—and their daughters—grapple with the family curse that continues to haunt the Owens women.

Based On: Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel

The film stars Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jesse Plemons, and Ralph Fiennes. It will be released in theaters on November 20, 2026.

We’re thrilled to announce that Lionsgate is making a movie about Haymitch Abernathy’s past! This news came on the same day as the announcement of the next Hunger Games film. The movie will focus on Haymitch’s experience winning the 50th Hunger Games – the Games that shaped him into the mentor we know from the story of Katniss and Peeta.

 

This movie is based on the popular 2021 novel by Ali Hazelwood. Starring Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman, it’s a big-screen adaptation of the fake dating romance that became a huge hit on TikTok. What makes this project extra interesting? Tom Bateman is married to Daisy Ridley, who famously played Rey in Star Wars—the novel actually started as fanfiction about Rey and Kylo Ren! With that kind of connection, and Reinhart joining the cast, this movie is definitely one to watch.

 

Based on Holly Gramazio’s 2024 novel, the upcoming Apple TV series stars Juno Temple. The story centers around Lauren, who comes home one day to find a husband she’s never met. Soon, she discovers a never-ending stream of husbands are appearing from her attic! As Lauren tries to make sense of this bizarre situation, she begins to question what she truly wants out of life and whether she’ll take control to get it.

This new series is based on Elin Hilderbrand’s 2023 novel and stars Jennifer Garner. It will be available to stream on Peacock, with the premiere date yet to be announced. Fans are excited because Hilderbrand is known for her captivating Nantucket beach stories, and pairing that with a popular actress like Garner is a winning combination. Garner plays Hollis, a food blogger whose life is shaken up by a personal tragedy. To cope, she plans a special weekend getaway with her best friends, but the trip quickly unravels as old tensions and surprising secrets come to light. It promises to be a compelling and dramatic watch!

This new series is based on Stephanie Meyer’s 2020 novel. Currently, the cast is still to be announced, and it will premiere on Netflix at a date yet to be determined. Fans have been waiting over a decade for Meyer to revisit the story of Twilight from Edward Cullen’s perspective, and now an animated version is on its way. Seeing an animated version of the famous sparkly vampire is sure to be a hit!

This upcoming Apple TV series is based on Marissa Stapley’s 2021 novel and stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Drew Starkey, Annette Bening, Timothy Olyphant, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. The story follows a young woman who returns to a life of cons, mirroring her upbringing, in hopes of building a secure future. With Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine producing and a fantastic supporting cast, it’s a show we’re eagerly anticipating!

Based On: Emily Henry‘s 2024 novel

Starring: TBD

Premieres: TBD on Netflix

We’re looking forward to the upcoming adaptation of Henry’s popular 2024 novel! It follows Daphne as she rebuilds her life after her fiancé, Peter, ends their engagement to pursue a relationship with his longtime friend, Petra. Adding to the drama, Daphne receives help from Petra’s ex-boyfriend, Miles.

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2026-01-22 21:18