Christina Milian to star in Step Up series
Actor-singer Christina Milian has joined the cast of Starz's “Step Up” series, taking over the role originally played by Naya Rivera.
The Grammy-nominated singer will play the part of Collette, which was to be played by the late Rivera originally, in the upcoming reimagined season of the drama series. Rivera, who starred in the first two seasons of the YouTube-turned-Starz update on the film of the same name, passed away last year in July at the age of 33 due to accidental drowning during a boat excursion.
The makers took the decision to cast Milian after consulting with the family of its late star. Milian said she hopes to honour Rivera’s legacy with a “great performance”.
“I am so excited to join the ‘Step Up’ family. I know I have massive shoes to fill. Naya was incredible. I hope to honor Naya, her family, friends and fans with a great performance,” she said.
“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 honour 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,” said Holly Sorensen, series creator and executive producer.
“Step Up” series is produced by Starz and Lionsgate Television. Sorenson serves as executive producer along with Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gibgot, who produced the original “Step Up” films.