Starz Releases First Trailer for “Step Up” Drama Series, Featuring Christina Milian in Role Originated by the Late Naya Rivera

Posted on September 17, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Christina Milian is finding herself in high water…

Starz has released the official trailer for Season 3 of its popular drama series Step Up, which offers a first look at the 40-year-old Cuban American Grammy-nominated singer and actress as Collette Jones, the role originated by the late Naya Rivera.

Starz also announced the third season of the series, inspired by the Lionsgate film franchise, will launch on Tuesday, October 16.

In addition to Milian, Ne-Yo returns for Season 3 in his co-starring role as Sage Odom. The series also stars Faizon Love, Eric Graise, Terayle Hill, Enrique Murciano and Tricia Helfer.

The hit franchise follows the drama, scandalous romance, betrayals and rivalries told through the intersection of the worlds of music and dance within a highly sought-after performance empire.

Here’s the logline: “Welcome to High Water – a next level incubator for new artistic talent, where danger, corruption, suspicions, desires, resentments, and ambitions collide in and out of the halls of the headquarters. As the label’s talent roster grows, High Water founder and megastar Sage Odom (Ne-Yo) faces murder charges, financial ruin and powerful political enemies. His partner in business and in love, Collette Jones (Milian) struggles to maintain their image as she balances a nationwide tour and stepping out of her role as the woman behind the empire all while carrying a secret that threatens to ruin it all.

Caught in the maelstrom is a collective of talented young artists that have been mentored to become top selling rappers and dance superstars: Rigo (Terrence Green), Poppy (Kendra Willis), Tal (Keiynan Lonsdale), Davis (Carlito Olivero), Odalie (Jade Chynoweth) and mysterious newcomer Angel (Rebbi Rosie), who all find that living your dream has a price.”

Step Up is created and executive produced by Holly Sorensen. Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gibgot, who served as producers on the original Step Up films, also executive produce through their Offspring Entertainment banner. Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan, who both co-starred in the original Step Up film, also executive produce through Free Association production company and Everheart Productions, Inc., respectively.

Dawn Wilkinson serves as director and executive producer.

Starz had announced a new season of Step Up a little over a month after Rivera lost her life in a swimming accident in Lake Piru. She was 33.

The decision was made to recast her role along with the support of the cast, producers and Rivera’s family, after careful consideration of several factors, including the highly serialized nature of the show and the fact that her character is so central to the storytelling, according to Starz.

Step Up Season 3 will premiere October 16 at midnight on the Starz app, all StarzPlay streaming and on-demand platforms, and internationally on the StarzPlay premium streaming platform across all territories. On linear, it will debut on Starz at 10:00 pm ET/PT in the U.S. and Canada.

Enrique Murciano to Star in Starz’s Reimagined “Step Up” Series

Posted on February 23, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Enrique Murciano is steppin’ up…

The 47-year-old Cuban American actor has been cast in the new installment of Starz’s re-imagined Step Up series.

Murciano will serve as a series regular on the series, joining Christina Milian and Ne-Yo.

The series hails from creator and executive producer Holly Sorensen, Starz and Lionsgate Television. Starz will air the first two seasons of the series beginning on Friday, March 5 across all platforms.

Inspired by the Step Up Lionsgate film franchise that grossed over $600 million at the worldwide box office, the original series centers on Sage Odom (Ne-Yo) as the legendary founder of Atlanta’s famed High Water Performing Art School. Collette (Milian is the Queen of High Water and Sage Odom’s partner in art, business, and love. Collette built and nurtured Sage’s visionary academy from the ground up. Grinding her way to the top with grit and resourcefulness, Collette earned a new role, manager of Sage Odom and his tour, all this while hiding a dark secret. As this secret comes crashing down on Sage, High Water, and the tour, Collette is tempted by an opportunity to step out of her role as the woman behind the man, to become the powerful woman in front of the man.

Murciano plays “Cruz,” a man hoping to carve his face into the Mount Rushmore of high profile, celebrity lawyers and who will do whatever it takes to claw his way to the primetime status of Cochran, Dershowitz, and Geragos, finally joining the pantheon of litigation gods. The case that will get him there, Sage Odom’s murder accusation. As Cruz fights through the intrigue and conspiracy to save Sage’s life and career, he can’t help but think to the future, imagining himself sauntering down a red carpet like an urban cowboy in his sharply tailored Dries Van Noten.

Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan, who both co-starred in the original Step Up film, will executive produce through Free Association production company and Everheart Productions, Inc., respectively..

The series is inspired by the Lionsgate franchise spanning five films: Step Up, Step Up 2: The Streets, Step Up: 3D, Step Up: Revolution and Step Up: All In. The film series also inspired the live music and dance show Step Up Dubai, All In! at Motiongate Dubai theme park.

The new Step Up series will air on Starz in the U.S. and Canada and on its international streaming platform Starzplay across Europe, Latin America and Japan.

Murciano’s previous credits include Tell Me Your Secrets, Bloodline and Without a Trace.

Christina Milian to Star in New Installment of Starz’s Drama Series “Step Up” in Role Originated by Naya Rivera

Posted on February 8, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Christina Milian is stepping in and stepping up…

The 39-year-old Cuban American Grammy-nominated singer and actress has been cast in the lead role originated by the late Naya Rivera in the new installment of Starz’s Step Up drama series.

Milian will portray Collette in the series, which hails from creator and executive producer Holly Sorensen, Starz and Lionsgate Television.

The series began filming in Atlanta this month. Starz will air the first two seasons of the series, which originally aired on YouTube with Rivera as Collette, beginning on Friday, March 5 across all platforms.

In addition to Milian, Ne-Yo returns in his co-starring role as Sage Odom, along with returning series regulars Faizon Love (Uncle Al), Jade Chynoweth (Odalie), Carlito Olivero (Davis), Terrence Green (Rigo), Eric Graise (King), and Kendra Oyesanya (Poppy) and previously announced Tricia Helfer (Erin) who joins the cast in a series regular role.

“I am so excited to join the Step Up family,” said Milian. “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.”

Starz had announced a new season of Step Up a little over a month after Rivera lost her life in Lake Piru. She had gone missing on July 8, 2020, while swimming with her son at the Ventura County, CA lake. Her body was discovered five days later. She was 33.

The decision was made to recast her role along with the support of the cast, producers and Naya’s family, after careful consideration of several factors, including the highly serialized nature of the show and the fact that Naya’s character is so central to the storytelling, according to Starz.

“Naya’s death was a terrible loss to our world that we will, frankly, never stop mourning,” added creator and executive producer Sorensen. “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.”

Inspired by the Step Up Lionsgate film franchise that grossed over $600 million at the worldwide box office, the original series centers on Sage Odom (Ne-Yo) as the legendary founder of Atlanta’s famed High Water Performing Art School. Collette is the Queen of High Water and Sage Odom’s partner in art, business, and love. Collette built and nurtured Sage’s visionary academy from the ground up. Grinding her way to the top with grit and resourcefulness, Collette earned a new role, manager of Sage Odom and his tour, all this while hiding a dark secret. As this secret comes crashing down on Sage, High Water, and the tour, Collette is tempted by an opportunity to step out of her role as the woman behind the man, to become the powerful woman in front of the man.

“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,” said Ne-Yo. “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!”

The series is inspired by the Lionsgate franchise spanning five films: Step Up, Step Up 2: The Streets, Step Up: 3D, Step Up: Revolution and Step Up: All In. The film series also inspired the live music and dance show Step Up Dubai, All In! at Motiongate Dubai theme park.

The new Step Up series will air on Starz in the U.S. and Canada and on its international streaming platform Starzplay across Europe, Latin America and Japan.

Starz Revives Naya Rivera’s “Step Up” Dance Series

Posted on May 29, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Naya Rivera’s steppin’ her way to Starz…

Starz is bringing back to life the 33-year-old half-Puerto Rican actress and former Glee star’s dance series Step Up after its cancellation by YouTube last year.

The premium cable network has ordered a 10-episode new season of the series from creator and executive producer Holly Sorensen and Lionsgate Television.

The series will feature popular characters from previous seasons, while expanding the scope and storytelling as a Starz Original series.

“Holly and her team have created a new and dynamic iteration of the series that captures the hallmarks that have made the Step Upfranchise so successful and elevates the storytelling for the premium, global audience,” said Christina Davis, president, Original Programming for Starz. “This, coupled with the worldwide appeal of the multi-talented, multicultural cast, will make this series a great addition to our slate.”

Inspired by the Step UpLionsgate film franchise that grossed more than $600 million at the worldwide box office, the series centers on Sage Odom (Ne-Yo) as the legendary founder of Atlanta’s famed High Water Performing Arts School and Collette (Rivera), his partner in High Water and in life.

The upcoming season will see Sage, Colette and their relationship challenged as they face criminal charges, financial ruin and powerful political enemies who want to destroy Sage and High Water.

Tricia Helfer joins the series this season as Erin, alongside Ne-Yo and Rivera and returning series regulars including Petrice Jones as Tal, Faizon Love as Uncle Al, Marcus Mitchell as Dondre, Jade Chynoweth as Odalie, Carlito Olivero as Davis, Terrence Green as Rigo, Eric Graise as King, and Kendra Oyesanya as Poppy.

“The latest installment of ‘Step Up’ not only reimagines the entire franchise but is filled with high energy, lots of heart and electrifying dance moves, and we’re very excited to reunite the talented cast and creative teams for another great season,” said Lionsgate Television group chairman Kevin Beggs. “This collaboration underscores our ability to work successfully across our businesses to supply premium content to Starz.”

Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan, who both co-starred in the original Step Upfilm, will executive produce through Tatum’s Free Association production company.

The Lionsgate film franchise spanned five films: Step Up, Step Up 2: The Streets, Step Up: 3D, Step Up: Revolution and Step Up: All In. The film series also inspired the live music and dance show Step Up Dubai, All In! at the Motiongate Dubai theme park.

The first two seasons will be available exclusively on the Starz App and On Demand prior to the launch of the new season.

Naya Rivera’s YouTube Drama Series “Step Up: High Water” Surges in Viewership

Posted on April 2, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Naya Riverais stepping up her game on the internet…

YouTube and Lionsgate’s hit dance drama series Step Up: High Water, starring the 32-year-old part-Puerto Rican actress and former Glee star, has surged in viewership for its Season 2 premiere.

The first episode of the sophomore season has drawn 11.5 million views in the seven days since its March 20 debut, according to YouTube. Compared with the first episode of Season 1, which drew 1.3 million viewers through seven days following its January 31, 2018 debut, the Season 2 premiere is up 884% over the first season.

Based on the successful film franchise from Lionsgate, Step Up: High Water follows several students at a cut-throat performing arts school in Atlanta.

Series regulars Rivera, NE-YO, and Faizon Loveare back for Season 2, along with newcomers Ashley Greene, Robin Givensand Jeremy Copeland.

Multi-platinum recording artist and entrepreneur Rick Rossis set to guest star as himself. Todrick Hallwill also make a cameo playing himself. JaQuel Knightwill choreograph episode three as well as make a cameo playing himself.

Step Up: High Water is created and executive produced by showrunner Holly Sorensen (Recovery Road, Make It Or Break It).Adam Shankman, Jennifer Gibgotand Meredith Milton, all producers of the original Step Up films, executive produced season one, along with Channing Tatumand Jenna Dewan, who both co-starred in the original Step Up film. All have returned to executive produce for the second season.

Fox Renews Ryan Guzman’s Drama Series “9-1-1” for a Third Season

Posted on March 28, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Ryan Guzman has more emergencies in his future…

Fox has renewed its sophomore drama 9-1-1, starring the 31-year-old half-Mexican American actor, for a third season.

Following its launch last midseason, 9-1-1 has delivered +24% year-over-year growth for Fox Monday this past fall.

9-1-1, from Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Tim Minear, was a breakout hit when it premiered last season. It quickly emerged as Fox’s highest-rated and most watched TV series.

The network’s unscripted phenom The Masked Singer recently took the crown as Fox’s top primetime series but 9-1-1 remains the net’s most watched and highest-rated scripted series.

Season-to-date, the drama about first responders has averaged a 2.6 adults 18-49 rating and 10.2 million viewers (in most current Nielsen ratings); 15.4 million total multi-platform viewers. It is a Top 10 entertainment program among Adults 18-49 and Adults 18-34 across all broadcast and cable networks.

“9-1-1 redefined what a procedural series can be, consistently delivering edge-of-your-seat emergencies, mixed with emotional story arcs and incredible performances from one of the most powerful teams of actors on television,” said Fox Entertainment President Michael Thorn. “Kudos to Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Tim Minear and their entire crew, as well as the amazing cast anchored by Angela Bassett, Peter Krauseand Jennifer Love Hewittfor raising the bar week after week.”

9-1-1 explores the high-pressure experiences of police officers, firefighters and emergency operators who are thrust into the most frightening, shocking and heart-stopping situations. 9-1-1 is produced by 20^th Century Fox Televisionin association with Ryan Murphy Television and Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision.

Guzman joined the cast as a series regular in Season 2 LAFDfirefighter Eddie Diaz.

His previous television credits include Heroes Reborn, Pretty Little Liarsand Notorious. His film credits include appearing in the Step Upfranchiseand opposite Jennifer Lopezin The Boy Next Door.

NBC to Premiere Lopez’s Reality Competition “World of Dance” in May

Posted on March 20, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Jennifer Lopez is ready to dance this May…

NBC has set its 2017 summer schedule, which includes the 47-year-old Puerto Rican actress/singer’s brand new reality competition series World of Dance.

Executive produced by Lopez, who will serve as judge alongside NE-YO and Derek Hough, will premiere on Monday, May 8 at 10:00 pm ET.

Step Up dancer and actress Jenna Dewan Tatum hosts the reality show that’s produced in partnership with global dance brand World of Dance and will result in a $1 million prize for the winner.

After its post-The Voice debut on May 8, World of Dance will move to its regular Tuesday 10 p.m. timeslot beginning on May 30, following America’s Got Talent. (

For more about World of Dance, click here.

Gomez: The New Face of Coach

Posted on December 18, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Selena Gomez is reporting for Coaching duty…

The 24-year-old Mexican-American actress/singer, who recently was named favorite pop/rock female artist at the American Music Awards, has been named in the new face of Coach.

As part of the deal, Gomez will work on a special design project with creative director Stuart Vevers, according to the singer.

“I am so excited to work with Coach and love the clothes and accessories designed by Stuart Vevers. I am especially looking forward to getting to know the Coach team as well as becoming involved in the Foundation’s support of Step Up,” Gomez said in a statement. “On top of all that, collaborating on a piece with Stuart for next fall makes this beyond special to me.”

Gomez reportedly signed a $10 million deal with the label, according to Page Six.

“The woman I design for is authentic, honest and possesses a romantic charm mixed with a cool, confident attitude. Selena embodies all of these qualities perfectly — but the fact that she has always loved Coach, and believed so strongly in our philanthropic mission, made her a true Coach Girl,” said Vevers.

The singer was most recently spotted wearing a Coach vintage car tee.

With the partnership, Coach is tapping into one of the world’s most influential figures (with 103 million Instagram followers, making her the most-followed on the photo-sharing platform) to draw in younger fans and to help revamp the 75-year-old brand.

Gomez has previously served as a brand ambassador for Pantene, as well as designed collections for Adidas NEO.

Trailer Released for Guzman’s “Step Up All In”

Posted on June 7, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Ryan Guzman is stepping up again…

Lionsgate/Summit Entertainment has released the first official trailer for Step Up All In, starring the 26-year-old half-Mexican American actor.

For this latest Step Up film, the fifth installment of the movie franchise, Guzman and his fellow cast mates take the 3D dance action to Las Vegas.

In addition to Guzman, who first appeared in Step Up Revolution, the film also stars Step Up vets Briana Evigan (Step Up 2: The Streets), Stephen “tWitch” Boss, Misha Gabriel, Alyson Stoner and Adam Sevani.

The film is directed by first-time helmer Trish Sie.

Lionsgate/Summit will release Step Up All In on August 8.

Trailer Released for Guzman’s Dance Film “Step Up: All In”

Posted on March 22, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Ryan Guzman is back to bustin’ a move (and setting hearts aflutter)…

Summit Entertainment has released the trailer for Step Up: All In, the fifth installment of the popular Step Up franchise, starring the 26-year-old half-Mexican American actor.

Guzman, who starred as Sean Asa in 2012’s Step Up Revolution, will see his character dance another day.

Director Trish Sie makes her feature film-helming debut with the 3D pic, which takes familiar characters from the Step Up films on a new Vegas-set danceventure scripted by John Swetnam.

Guzman and Briana Evigan lead the cast, which includes Izabella Miko and series returners Luis Rosado, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, Misha Gabriel, Alyson Stoner and Adam Sevani.

Step Up: All In will hit theaters in the United States on July 25, 2014.

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