Christina Milian To Replace Naya Rivera In Starz ‘Step Up’ Series

Christina Milian, Naya Rivera

Christina Milian To Replace Naya Rivera In Starz ‘Step Up’ Series

Christina Milian has been selected to play Collette Step Up on Starz, replacing late actress Naya Rivera.

Naya Rivera’s family is said to have given the network their blessing to move forward with Christina Milian after Naya Rivera tragically died last year.

Naya Rivera played Collette in the first two seasons of the series, which initially aired on YouTube until May.

Step Up was originally a film that hit theaters in 2006. The franchise continued with Step Up 2: The Streets (2008), Step Up 3D (2010), Step Up Revolution (2012), and Step Up: All In (2014). The series debuted in 2018.

Show creator and executive producer Holly Sorensen said Monday (Feb. 8th), according to The Hollywood Reporter:

“Naya’s death was a terrible loss to our world that we will, frankly, never stop mourning. It was almost impossible to consider there could be someone so graceful and loving who could both help us honor our loss, while also bringing a deep reservoir of talent to our show, in so many areas. Christina is an exceptional human and a dazzling performer and we are so happy she has joined our family.”

Ne-Yo, who stars in the series as Sage Odom, added:

“There is no replacing Naya. Let’s get that straight. Her spirit lives on in our memories and every part of what this show is and will be. Christina has big shoes to fill and she knows it, which speaks to her poise and respect as a person and an artist. I’m more than certain of her ability to bring an energy and light to this character that Naya’s fans as well as the rest of the world will love. We’ve welcomed Christina with absolute open arms and have rallied around her with love and support. I’m excited and can’t wait for the world to see this!”

Ne-Yo

Production reportedly considere dall of its options before moving forward with Christina Milian. Production has since begun in Atlanta. Adam Shankman, who produced the original movie with  Jennifer Gibgot, said:

“Step Up has been an indelible part of mine and my partner, Jennifer Gibgot’s life for 16 years and never did we think we would feel so much loss as we have with Naya’s passing. But speaking as her friend, colleague and forever fan, nothing makes us happier then being able to celebrate the continuation of this story with the extraordinary Christina Milian and the brilliant, boundary pushing team at Starz. We promise not to disappoint.”

Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gibgot will also executive produce with original Step Up stars Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan, as well as Lionsgate producer Erik Feig and Bill Brown. 

Tricia Helfer, Petrice Jones, Faizon Love, Marcus Mitchell, Jade Chynoweth, Carlito Olivero, Terrence Green, Eric Graise and Kendra Oyesanya will also be in the third season.

What do you think about Christina Milian playing Collette? Comment and let us know.