Regal Cinemas will show the final two episodes of “Heated Rivalry” in 4DX, a format with motion-enabled seats and synchronized effects, starting Nov. 16, according to Deadline. The upgrade adds a premium tier to an unusual theatrical run. Since Nov. 6, over 650 U.S. theaters have been screening all six Season 1 episodes in paired showings through Nov. 30. Regal leads the release, joined by AMC, Cinemark and other exhibitors. The 4DX presentations of “I’ll Believe in Anything” and “The Cottage” will play in all 59 of Regal’s 4DX auditoriums and at other participating locations. Individual theaters set their own showtimes, prices and run lengths.
Brooks LeBoeuf, Regal’s senior vice president of U.S. content, told Variety that the two episodes push the long-simmering tension between hockey rivals Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov to a breaking point. In his words, 4DX “takes it all to another level.” He framed the move as a response to fan demand.
Sphere Abacus, a Bell Media company, handles the distribution. It secured theatrical rights in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. Created by Jacob Tierney from Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” novels, the series stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie. It debuted on Crave in Canada and streams on HBO in the United States.
That last detail makes the rollout a gamble. Theaters typically want exclusive windows for event programming, and U.S. fans can watch every episode at home. Regal is wagering that the appeal of a shared viewing, plus themed cocktails named Summer in Montreal and Russians Don’t Blush, will fill seats anyway. Collectible concession combos are available at select locations.
The theatrical push arrives as the series prepares its return. Season 2 began filming in August and is expected to premiere in spring 2027, with Tierney directing again and working with a co-writer. Storrie has said the new episodes will adapt “The Long Game,” the final book in Reid’s series. For now, the 4DX screenings give fans a chance to see Season 1’s emotional peak with rumbling seats and atmospheric effects.
