Connor Storrie opens up on fame, queer storytelling, Hudson Williams in Vogue Adria cover story

Connor Storrie is embracing the whirlwind success of Heated Rivalry, the adaptation of Rachel Reid’s seven-year-old novel, in a revealing feature for Vogue Adria. The series, filmed in under forty days for a Canadian streaming platform, has defied expectations, transforming a niche romance into a global phenomenon — and propelling both Storrie and co-star Hudson Williams into international recognition.

The actor discussed the remarkable chemistry between himself and Williams, who play professional hockey players sharing both a love for the sport and a deeply intimate connection. “The chemistry between Hudson and me. We genuinely love and understand each other, and I think that shows,” Storrie said. That connection, he explained, was key to bringing the love story of Ilya and Shane to life and making it resonate with audiences around the world.

Storrie reflected on how quickly fame arrived and the importance of staying grounded amid the hype. “I haven’t even had enough time to think about any of it. I always have a little emotional delay. When something happens, it takes me weeks to process and connect with it. And in this case, maybe that’s not a bad thing,” he said. He also emphasized the value of creative outlets like music, writing, and directing in maintaining balance: “After a few weeks of not writing, creating, thinking, planning, I feel lost. I need tactile things to ground me. Making music, writing, planning films. That brings me back to my center. That’s where I have control. Where I’m not just playing a role.”

The actor opened up about his perfectionist tendencies and how they inform both his acting and creative work. “When I was younger, I did gymnastics… I’m competitive. I like control, precision, nuance, dedication, hard work. I believe in those things. You need them if you want to be an actor. On the other hand, my family moved a lot — I changed 13 schools — and that gave me flexibility. I’m comfortable with new people and starting over.”

Storrie also shared insights about his directorial debut, Transaction Planet, a micro-budget film shot on an iPhone. “I find that limitation inspiring. I think it forces you to focus on what is important rather than get lost in production value or aesthetic. It makes you focus on the story — on what people say, what they do, and finding creative ways to make it happen,” he explained.

Beyond personal growth, Storrie highlighted the larger cultural significance of Heated Rivalry. The show not only explores queer love in a traditionally heteronormative sports setting, but also fosters connection and visibility for marginalized audiences. “Rachel Reid wrote this story in a very specific genre, consciously and intentionally. She’s said herself she wanted to address homophobia in hockey and spark conversation. And Jacob was very vocal about wanting to create a gay love story that wasn’t tragic… I receive so many messages, especially from queer people, who feel seen through Ilya. Who feel validated as bisexual. Who genuinely connect to that narrative,” Storrie said.

Reflecting on art, success, and audience reception, Storrie maintained a grounded perspective: “You can’t put that much weight on anything… Some great films fail commercially and become classics 25 years later. I try to remind myself of that constantly. All you can do is your best, go for it. Time keeps moving. So just go big and don’t get too lost in it.”

Through Heated Rivalry, Connor Storrie has found both creative fulfillment and a platform to explore queer storytelling with authenticity, while forming a partnership with Hudson Williams that has captivated viewers worldwide. As he continues to write, direct, and act, Storrie’s approach demonstrates how connection, artistry, and grounded ambition can transform niche projects into cultural touchstones.