According to Deadline, Ruby Rose will be leaving her titular role as Batwoman, on the CW series, forcing producers to recast the role for season 2. Rose made the following statement:
“I have made the very difficult decision to not return to Batwoman next season. This was not a decision I made lightly as I have the utmost respect for the cast, crew and everyone involved with the show in both Vancouver and in Los Angeles. I am beyond appreciative to Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Caroline Dries for not only giving me this incredible opportunity, but for welcoming me into the DC universe they have so beautifully created,” she said. “Thank you Peter Roth and Mark Pedowitz and the teams at Warner Bros. and The CW who put so much into the show and always believed in me. Thank you to everyone who made season one a success – I am truly grateful.”
There has been no reason given for the departure. Rose joined the Arrowverse in 2018’s crossover, and began starring in her own Batwoman series in 2019. The show’s season was cut short by one episode, with the makeshift finale airing this past Sunday.
In a joint statement, Berlanti Productions and WBTV stated they will be casting another LGBTQ actress in the role:
“Warner Bros. Television, The CW and Berlanti Productions thank Ruby for her contributions to the success of our first season and wish her all the best. The studio and network are firmly committed to Batwoman’s second season and long-term future, and we — along with the show’s talented creative team — look forward to sharing its new direction, including the casting of a new lead actress and member of the LGBTQ community, in the coming months.”
The character of Kate Kane was the first LGBTQ+ lead superhero role.