If you checked out the third season premiere of Step Up: High Water on Starz you may have done a double take, or two. A lot has changed since the series last dropped new episodes in 2019 on YouTube Red.
In addition to the obvious new home on premium cable, the series has ditched the High Water moniker, adopted a standard opening title sequence, embraced the ability to show mature content, and most unfortunately for us suffered a hell of a lot of cast changes. Here’s the details on all those comings and goings.
Recasted Roles
Collette Jones (Naya Rivera / Christina Milian )
Naya Rivera tragically passed away in July of 2020 from a boating / swimming accident. Given how essential the character of Collette is to all the main plot points, the powers that be opted to recast the role rather than write her out. In February 2021 singer and actress Christina Milian was cast as the new Collette.
Tal Baker (Petrice Jones / Keiynan Lonsdale)
Our beloved “greyhound” was also recast. Petrice Jones landed a series regular role on another show prior to Step Up being saved by Starz so unfortunately he was no longer available to film the third season. Keiynan Lonsdale has since taken over the role of Tal.
Departed from the Series
Dondre Hall as Marcus Emanuel Mitchell
Based on how the second season ended with Dondre getting fired from the Sage Odom tour, I don’t believe Marcus Emanuel Mitchell was ever meant to return. But either way, his character’s story appears to have come to an end as he’s no longer on the show and Mitchell currently has a recurring role on Freeform’s Good Trouble.
All the Familiar Faces
Now for the good news, the following actors / characters are all back for the third season of Step Up on Starz:
- Ne-Yo as Sage Odom
- Terrence Green as Rigo Octavio
- Kendra Oyesanya Willis as Poppy Martinez
- Eric Graise as King
- Terayle Hill as Marquis Howard
- Jade Chynoweth as Odalie Allen
- Carlito Olivero as Davis Jimenez
- Cruz Abelita as Justin
- Faizon Love as Al Baker
New Names
And last but not least, here’s some new names of note:
Rebbi Rosie as Angel Etomi
Angel is a dancer from London who makes her way to High Water for the same reason as everyone else, to find a way to turn her dreams into reality. And like everyone else she quickly makes some friends and enemies in that pursuit. In real life, Rebbi Rosie is an accomplished dancer who has performed with Beyonce, Pharrell, J. Lo, Nicki Minaj, and more.
Enrique Murciano and Tricia Helfer have also joined the cast as series regulars. Muriano is playing Ricardo Cruz, a high profile celebrity lawyer and Helfer is playing Erin Baxter who as of now is still a mystery. Tune in to find out I guess.
New episodes of Step Up are available on Starz every Sunday.
