After Ruby Rose’s sudden departure from Batwoman, there were rumblings that the role wasn’t going to be re-cast, but would instead shifting to an all-new character. Many fans were unsure of that narrative decision, including the Outerhaven’s own Todd Black. But it looks like the rumors were true — Ryan Wilder is the new lead character on the CW show. And that role is going to actress Javicia Leslie.
The casting news was shared by the former Batwoman herself on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCZebKqp9pD/
Leslie is best known for her work on the CBS series God Friended Me. “I am extremely proud to be the first Black actress to play the iconic role of Batwoman on television, and as a bisexual woman, I am honored to join this groundbreaking show which has been such a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community,” said Leslie in a statement.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the character of Wilder is:
“likable, messy, a little goofy and untamed. She’s also nothing like Kate Kane, the woman who wore the Batsuit before her. With no one in her life to keep her on track, Ryan spent years as a drug-runner, dodging the GCPD and masking her pain with bad habits. Today Ryan lives in her van with her plant. A girl who would steal milk for an alley cat and could also kill you with her bare hands, Ryan is the most dangerous type of fighter: highly skilled and wildly undisciplined. An out lesbian. Athletic. Raw. Passionate. Fallible. And very much not your stereotypical All-American hero.”
“I love Kate Kane — she’s the reason I wanted to do the show. We’ll never erase her,” Batwoman showrunner Caroline Dries said. “In fact, her disappearance will be one of the mysteries of season two. I don’t want to give away any of our surprises, but to all our devoted fans, please know that LGBTQ+ justice is at the very core of what Batwoman is and we have no intention of abandoning that.”
Batwoman is scheduled to return to the CW for a second season in early 2021.
