Christina Milian Steps into Iconic Role of Collette Jones in ‘Step Up’ Season 3, Honoring Naya Rivera’s Legacy

The highly anticipated third season of the popular dance drama series, Step Up, is set to premiere on October 16, bringing a mix of electrifying performances and profound emotional depth. This season marks a significant transition as acclaimed actress and singer Christina Milian takes on the pivotal role of Collette Jones. Milian steps into the character originally portrayed by the late, beloved Naya Rivera, who tragically passed away in 2020. This recasting decision was made with immense care and respect, acknowledging Rivera’s indelible mark on the series and the character. In an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife, Christina Milian candidly shared her journey and feelings about embracing Collette Jones.

Milian openly expressed the profound challenge and honor of inheriting such a significant role. “Stepping into the role of Collette Jones was challenging. It was fun. I felt so honored that they trusted me to play this character, but also knowing the situation,” Christina explained to HollywoodLife. The gravity of the situation was not lost on her, understanding that she was taking over a character deeply etched into the hearts of fans by Rivera’s powerful performance. Collette Jones is not just any character; she has a rich history across two seasons, a compelling and intricate storyline, and is characterized by a multitude of complex layers.

Christina Milian revealed her deep admiration for Naya Rivera, not just as an actress but also as a person. “With so much respect to Naya Rivera and her acting, like, I actually was a big fan. As an actress and as a mother, to me, I felt so connected even to that situation, it was a big choice for me to actually even take on the role,” she emphasized. This personal connection, coupled with the immense respect for Rivera’s artistry, made the decision a weighty one for Milian. It wasn’t merely about accepting a job; it was about embracing a legacy and continuing a story with the utmost reverence and dedication. The emotional journey Milian undertook before committing to the role speaks volumes about her integrity and understanding of the task at hand.

The journey to accepting the role was not without introspection and emotional moments for Christina. She recounted the supportive environment that ultimately helped her make the choice. “When I eventually did make that choice, I think it was a common kind of belief between myself, STARZ, the same thing with Holly [Sorensen], that, hey, you can do this, you can figure it out. We can figure this out consecutively. We can tell this story in a classy way. You can do this, and you can become your own version of Collette,” Milian shared. This encouragement from the production team and co-creator Holly Sorensen was crucial. However, the personal struggle remained. “It took me some time. I did do some praying. I even cried, I’ll admit it. I had some days that I did cry about it. It has nothing to do with anybody on set. It was just like, what it is,” she confessed. The emotional weight was purely personal, a testament to her empathy and commitment to honoring Naya’s memory.

Ultimately, Milian found peace and conviction. “I think after much prayer and just talking to myself and trusting what this was I said, ‘Okay, trust the process. You deserve this, and now’s your time for the fans of Step Up, for the fans of Naya Rivera, for the fans of Collette Jones to continue this legacy and tell this story in a way that is your own,” she stated, highlighting her resolve to bring her unique interpretation to the character while respecting its origins. This profound dedication ensures that while the face of Collette may be different, the spirit and essence of the character will continue to resonate with the audience.

The original portrayal of Collette Jones by Naya Rivera was iconic. Rivera passed away in July 2020 after a tragic boating accident on Lake Piru in California. The talented actress drowned while swimming with her young son, Josey. Her untimely death at the age of 33 sent shockwaves through Hollywood and deeply saddened fans worldwide. At the time of her passing, production for the third season of Step Up was on the verge of commencing, but it was immediately put on hold out of respect and to allow time for the cast, crew, and network to grieve and re-evaluate the future of the series. The decision to continue the series with a recasting was made carefully, aiming to honor Rivera’s contributions while bringing new life to the beloved story.

One source of comfort and familiarity for Christina Milian on set was her long-standing friendship with co-star Ne-Yo, who portrays Sage Odom, Collette’s creative and romantic partner. Milian noted that seeing Ne-Yo on set helped her settle into her “comfort zone.” She elaborated, “It made me feel very happy to see his face and also be acting with him in a way that both of us had never acted before. It made it really special.” Their existing rapport off-screen undoubtedly played a crucial role in building their on-screen chemistry, especially during such a sensitive transition.

Ne-Yo echoed this sentiment, acknowledging their history. “This is the first time we’ve worked together in a dramatic setting that was meant to be dramatic versus one that would up dramatic,” Ne-Yo quipped, alluding to their past collaborations that perhaps weren’t intended to be dramatic but sometimes turned out that way. He added, “I’ve known the powerhouse that is Christina Milian for a little while now.” This shared history and mutual respect between the two artists will be a significant asset in portraying the deeply entwined and often tumultuous relationship between Sage and Collette.

The dynamic between Sage and Collette has always been central to Step Up, and Ne-Yo teased that season 3 will push their relationship to new limits. “I think you really get to see the grit of the both of them in the third season,” Ne-Yo revealed. “They face challenges bigger than any they’ve faced in any other previous seasons in the third season. You really get to see what they’re made of as people as opposed to just two people that are kind of tolerating yet falling in love with each other, being in love with each other.” This season promises a raw and unfiltered look into the complexities of their bond, testing their resilience and commitment.

Ne-Yo further elaborated on the authenticity that emerges when relationships are truly tested. “Everything’s all good when it’s all good, and that’s every relationship. It’s easy to talk about how much you love the person when things are going good. It’s when things start going bad that you really see what that relationship is made of, what those people are made of,” he wisely observed. “And I think that this season you get to see that from both of them. You get to see what they’re truly made of.” This insight suggests that viewers will witness Sage and Collette navigating profound personal and professional obstacles that force them to confront their true selves and the foundation of their partnership. The emotional stakes for the couple will be higher than ever, promising compelling drama.

Beyond the central couple, Sage Odom himself will undergo significant character development. Sage has often found himself entangled in various troubles throughout the series, and season 3 will not shy away from these complexities. Ne-Yo hinted at Sage’s continuing journey: “Without giving too much away, I will say that the challenges that Sage Odom has faced they’re not over, but it sets the stage for growth and development for Sage as a person because that’s needed and necessary.” This suggests that Sage will confront lingering issues and new hurdles, ultimately leading to essential personal evolution. Viewers can expect to see him mature and perhaps even find a new sense of purpose amidst the chaos.

The return of Step Up with Christina Milian in such a pivotal role is a testament to the series’ enduring appeal and the power of its narrative. It’s a season that promises to be both a heartfelt tribute to Naya Rivera’s legacy and an exciting new chapter for the characters and the dynamic world of High Water. Fans can anticipate breathtaking dance sequences, gripping drama, and profound character arcs as the series delves deeper into the lives of its beloved cast. Don’t miss the premiere of Step Up season 3, airing Sundays on STARZ, to witness this emotional and electrifying continuation of the story.