\n<\/p>\n
\n\tLionsgate Play has committed to the second season of Heated Rivalry<\/em>, as the Indian streamer switches to a major Hollywood push and a theatrical first model.<\/p>\n \n\tWith 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<\/em> creator Jacob Tierney said the second run of Shane and Ilya\u2019s story would see them in \u201cmore serious territory,\u201d while the novelist behind the books, Rachel Reid, updated on progress on the next edition of the books.<\/p>\n \n\tAs 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 \u201cscreen agnostic model.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tIn September, the first of the theatrical-first movies will drop in the shape of Russell Crowe vehicle Billion Dollar Spy<\/em>, Gerard Butler-starring Empire City<\/em> , Robert Pattinson-led Primetime<\/em>, Mark Wahlberg starrer By Any Means<\/em> and Jeremy Bold\u2019s creature feature Titan<\/em>.<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cOur move into theatrical-first releases marks an important step, giving films the cinematic scale they deserve while ensuring a seamless journey to streaming,\u201d said Lionsgate Play Asia founder Rohit Jain. \u201cAs the industry evolves, we\u2019re 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.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tThis 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<\/em> franchise, Den of Thieves 2<\/em> and The Beekeeper<\/em> alongside TV series such as Heated Rivalry<\/em>, Normal People<\/em> and Paris Has Fallen<\/em>, which sit alongside regional titles such as Dakshina<\/em>, Eleven<\/em> and Soothravakyam<\/em>.<\/p>\n \n\tThere is now an increased focus on star-driven action and thrillers, with the likes Gerard Butler\u2019s Greenland 2: Migration<\/em>, Jason Statham\u2019s Mutiny<\/em> and Angelina Jolie\u2019s Couture<\/em> launching alonside Apollo Has Fallen<\/em> and Vigil<\/em> Season 3.<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cOver the past few years, we\u2019ve built Lionsgate Play into a destination for bold, high-impact storytelling,\u201d said Jain. \u201cIn 2026, we\u2019re delivering on that vision at full scale, with 100-plus premieres, returning franchises, and now, the big screen itself under one roof.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tToday\u2019s 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.\u00a0That 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\u2019s film and TV library.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n