[ad_1]
After what one source describes as “careful consideration”, Intensify decided to recast the role of Collette following the tragic death of Naya Rivera. Actress-singer-DWTS alum Christina Milian will reprise the role when the series jumps to Starz for its third season.
Rivera died last July following a drowning accident at Lake Piru in California. She was 33 years old.
“I am so excited to join the Intensify family, ”Milian said in a statement. “I know I have huge shoes to fill. Naya was amazing. Hope to pay tribute to Naya, her family, friends and fans with a great performance.
Adding series and EP creator Holly Sorensen: “Naya’s death was a terrible loss to our world that we frankly won’t stop mourning. It was almost impossible to think that there could be someone so gracious and loving who could both help us honor our loss, while also bringing a deep pool of talent to our show, in so many areas. Christina is an exceptional human and a stunning performer and we are so happy that she has joined our family.
A Intensify An insider tells TVLine that a wide variety of factors – including the fact that Rivera’s character is so central to the show – went into the decision to recast the role. A source also notes that Rivera’s family have given producers their blessing to bring in a new actress to play Collette.
Step Up: High Water was originally available on YouTube’s subscription service, YouTube Red (now YouTube Premium), but was canceled after two seasons as the video platform moved away from the original lineup. Last May, Starz stepped in and saved the series, which the cable maker says will be “re-imagined”. (The first two seasons will be available on the various Starz platforms, as well as on Fridays at 8 p.m., starting March 5.)
Milian joins a cast that includes returning series 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 Vet Tricia Helfer came on board as a new series regular.
“There is no Naya replacement – let’s be clear,” Ne-Yo admitted in his own statement. “His 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 is a testament to her poise and respect as a person and an artist. I am more than certain of his ability to bring energy and light to this character that Naya fans and the rest of the world will love. We welcomed Christina with open arms and rallied around her with love and support. I’m excited and can’t wait for the world to see it! “
Season 3 production is currently underway in Atlanta.
[ad_2]
Source link