Lionsgate Play has committed to the second season of Heated Rivalry, as the Indian streamer switches to a major Hollywood push and a theatrical first model.
With anticipation rising ever higher for the romantic ice hockey drama, the Indian streamer announced it had picked up Season 2 for 2027. Over the weekend, Heated Rivalry creator Jacob Tierney said the second run of Shane and Ilya’s story would see them in “more serious territory,” while the novelist behind the books, Rachel Reid, updated on progress on the next edition of the books.
As for Lionsgate Play, the series was a highlight of an announcement that also included news that more than 100 premieres will take place in 2026. Furthermore, between 10 and 12 titles will hit Indian cinemas before their streaming debut as part of a “screen agnostic model.”
In September, the first of the theatrical-first movies will drop in the shape of Russell Crowe vehicle Billion Dollar Spy, Gerard Butler-starring Empire City , Robert Pattinson-led Primetime, Mark Wahlberg starrer By Any Means and Jeremy Bold’s creature feature Titan.
“Our move into theatrical-first releases marks an important step, giving films the cinematic scale they deserve while ensuring a seamless journey to streaming,” said Lionsgate Play Asia founder Rohit Jain. “As the industry evolves, we’re embracing a more integrated approach across theatrical and digital windows. This next phase is about backing stronger stories, collaborating with compelling talent, and building a platform audiences keep coming back to. From big screen experiences to premium streaming, this is our most ambitious chapter yet.”
This is all born out of a belief that Indian audiences are more receptive to Hollywood entertainment than ever. Lionsgate Play already offers movies such as the John Wick franchise, Den of Thieves 2 and The Beekeeper alongside TV series such as Heated Rivalry, Normal People and Paris Has Fallen, which sit alongside regional titles such as Dakshina, Eleven and Soothravakyam.
There is now an increased focus on star-driven action and thrillers, with the likes Gerard Butler’s Greenland 2: Migration, Jason Statham’s Mutiny and Angelina Jolie’s Couture launching alonside Apollo Has Fallen and Vigil Season 3.
“Over the past few years, we’ve built Lionsgate Play into a destination for bold, high-impact storytelling,” said Jain. “In 2026, we’re delivering on that vision at full scale, with 100-plus premieres, returning franchises, and now, the big screen itself under one roof.”
Today’s news comes after Jain acquired Lionsgate Play from Lionsgate in January, having spent the past eight years building the service across Asia as President of Lionsgate Play Asia. That agreement came with a multiyear licensing agreement with Lionsgate that allows the streamer to use the Lionsgate Play name and get access to the U.S. studio’s film and TV library.
