After what a source describes as “careful consideration”, Step up decided to reshape the role of Collette after the tragic death of the original portraitist Naya Rivera. Actress singer-DWTS Alum Christina Milian will assume the role when the series jumps to Starz for its third season.
Rivera died last July after drowning in Lake Piru, California. She was 33 years old.
“I’m so excited to join the Step up family, ”Milian said in a statement. “I know I have huge shoes to fill. Naya was incredible. I hope to honor Naya, her family, friends and fans with a great performance. “
Added series creator and EP Holly Sorensen: “Naya’s death was a terrible loss for our world that, frankly, we will never stop regretting. It was almost impossible to consider that there could be someone so graceful and loving that could help us honor our loss, while bringing a great reservoir of talent to our show, in so many areas. Christina is an exceptional human and a stunning performer and we are very happy for her to join our family. “
AN Step up insider told TVLine that a wide variety of factors – including the fact that Rivera’s character is so central to the series – influenced the decision to reshape the role. A source also notes that Rivera’s family has given producers their blessing to bring in a new actress to play Collette.
Step Up: High Water it was initially available on YouTube’s subscription service, YouTube Red (now YouTube Premium), but was canceled after two seasons when the video platform moved away from the original schedule. Last May, Starz dived and rescued the series, which the cabler says will be “rethought”. (The first two seasons will be available on the various Starz platforms, as well as airing on Fridays at 8pm, starting on March 5)
Milian joins a cast that includes the return of regulars Ne-Yo (Sage Odom), Faizon Love (Uncle Al), Jade Chynoweth (Odalie), Carlito Olivero (Davis), Terrence Green (Rigo), Eric Graise (King) and Kendra Oyesanya (Poppy). As previously announced, Battlestar Galactica veterinarian Tricia Helfer came on board as a new regular in the series.
“There is no substitute for Naya – let’s make that clear,” Ne-Yo acknowledged in his own statement. “Her spirit lives in our memories and in every part of what this show is and will be. Christina has big shoes to fill and she knows it, which shows her attitude and respect as a person and as an artist. I am more than certain of his ability to bring energy and light to this character that Naya fans, as well as the rest of the world, will love. We received Christina with open arms and joined her with love and support. I’m excited and can’t wait for the world to see this! “
Season 3 production is underway in Atlanta.