Ruby Rose is leaving Batwoman, forcing the series to recast before the second season.
Just two days after the season finale Ruby Rose has announced she is leaving Batwoman, leaving the series without a lead. Batwoman was already renewed for a second season in January and will now need to search for a new lead to replace her.
RELATED: THE FACE OF ARROWVERSE’S BRUCE WAYNE UNCOVERED IN SHOCKING SEASON FINALE
The COVID-19 pandemic delaying the release of new seasons for many CW series, including Batwoman, until January 2021. There is a bit of time for the search to find the new Kate Kane. Depending on how long the search takes they could potentially delay the next season if needed.
Why Did Ruby Rose Step Down From Batwoman?
“I have made the very difficult decision to not return to Batwoman next season,” said Rose in a statement “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.”
Rose’s statement doesn’t make clear why she left, but she does seem appreciative of the time she has spent on the series. Rose thanks those involved for giving her the opportunity and working to make the series a success.
Rose was cast initially for the Arrow, Supergirl, Flash crossover “Elseworlds” and later the pilot of Batwoman. Batwoman played a major role in the epic “Crisis” crossover which has had a long-lasting impact throughout the Arrowverse and a direct tie into the Batwoman finale where the kryptonite Kara gave Kate comes into play.
“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 continues. “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.”
This departure likely throws a wrench in the plans for Batwoman and the larger Arrowverse. Especially given there have been reports of a Batwoman and Superman & Lois crossover next year. Rose suffered a major injury while filming the first season which resulted in a need for emergency surgery to prevent her from becoming paralyzed due to two herniated discs that nearly severed her spinal cord. However, Deadline reports that sources say her reasons for leaving are not connected to her health or injury.
WBTV and Berlanti Productions released a joint statement in which they made their commitment to Batwoman clear, and also their commitment to casting an LGBTQ actress to take on the lead role. Batwoman’s main character is Kate Kane a lesbian superhero. Batwoman was the first scripted live-action TV series to have a lesbian superhero as the main character. When the series was announced an important part of the casting was to find an actress who is part of the LGBTQ community. It is especially gratifying to know that even with this unexpected change that is still important to WBTV and Berlanti Productions.
“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 two companies state. “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 season finale has already made news with Warren Christie being revealed as Bruce Wayne in the Arrowverse. But this cast shake up was news no one was expecting to see. Who knows what effects this will have on the returning series and who will don the cowl now. Considering a major part of the series so far has been face switches, a new actress could be explained within the story. However, it could simply go ignored as many other series have done when recasting has been needed. No matter what happens this will definitely have huge ramifications for the series and Arrowverse.
Why do you think Ruby Rose left Batwoman? What do you think about her decision to leave the show? Who do you think should be the new Kate Kane?
Source: Deadline
