‘Do the leg thing’: Mark Carney jokes with Heated Rivalry star on red carpet | Mark Carney

‘Do the leg thing’: Mark Carney jokes with Heated Rivalry star on red carpet | Mark Carney

January 30, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Entertainment

Former central banker Mark Carney recently showcased a surprising shift in tone, moving from the global stage of the World Economic Forum in Davos to a celebratory event for the Canadian film industry in Ottawa. While in Davos, Carney delivered a widely-praised speech addressing the changing international order and the necessity for collaboration among nations. In Ottawa, however, he embraced a more lighthearted persona, appearing alongside actor Hudson Williams, star of the HBO series Heated Rivalry.

A Public Display of Support

The event saw Hudson Williams gifting Carney with a fleece jacket featured in Heated Rivalry. A playful moment followed, captured by photographers, where Carney prompted Williams to “do the leg thing” alongside a Canadian prime minister, resulting in a shared grin from both men. This interaction underscored a visible endorsement of the Canadian production.

Did You Know? Carney stated that studios “south of the border” attempted to alter the content of Heated Rivalry.

Championing Canadian Storytelling

During a speech at the gala, Carney referred to Williams as his “new best friend” and voiced his disapproval of external attempts to modify Heated Rivalry’s narrative. He questioned the logic behind such interference, eliciting laughter from the audience. The show itself centers on two ice hockey players grappling with their sexuality and hidden desires.

Carney emphasized that Heated Rivalry could only have originated in Canada, a nation he believes “celebrates what makes us different.” He further asserted the importance of Canadian funding in bringing the story to a global audience, jokingly claiming credit for the show’s success despite not being in a position to influence funding decisions at the time of its approval.

Expert Insight: Carney’s public support for a series exploring complex themes of identity and sexuality, and his pointed critique of potential external censorship, suggests a broader commitment to artistic freedom and the value of diverse representation in media. This stance could be interpreted as a deliberate contrast to perceived pressures for conformity in other entertainment markets.

He highlighted the vulnerability of the characters, describing them as “terrified of being their fullest selves,” and connected their struggle to the broader context of threats facing the 2SLGBTQI+ community in an increasingly polarized world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Heated Rivalry about?

Heated Rivalry is an HBO ice hockey drama that tells the story of two closeted rivals who develop a strong attraction to one another.

What did Mark Carney say about studios “south of the border”?

Carney stated that studios “south of the border” wanted to tone down the content of Heated Rivalry, and questioned the reasoning behind such a request.

What role did Mark Carney claim to have played in the show’s funding?

Carney jokingly claimed he “greenlit” the show and “stood up to the Americans,” despite not being in power when the funding was approved.

As Canadian productions gain international recognition, will this inspire further investment in stories that reflect diverse perspectives and challenge conventional narratives?