Former Batwoman Ruby Rose Reacts To Javicia Leslie Casting
Former Batwoman star Ruby Rose has responded to Javicia Leslie's casting as the new series lead for season 2. Rose played Kate Kane/Batwoman in the CW show's season 1, which concluded earlier this year. She also appeared in two Arrowverse crossovers, introducing the other DC heroes to Gotham in 2018's Elseworlds. She then had a more significant role in Crisis on Infinite Earths, The CW's biggest crossover yet. Batwoman season 1 was lauded for many reasons, especially for introducing the network's first title lesbian superhero. The show also made waves in its season finale, finally revealing the Arrowverse's Bruce Wayne/Batman.
However, as it turns out, that reveal was nothing compared to the behind-the-scenes drama that was to come. Only days after the final season 1 episode aired, Rose announced her exit from Batwoman. Soon after, it came out the series wasn't a great fit for Rose, leading to a more mutual farewell than was initially thought. Rose later alluded to circumstances of her exit in an Instagram post, saying in part, "those who know, know..." Luckily, creatives behind the show soon made it clear Kate Kane wouldn't be recast or killed off the series. Instead, newly-announced series lead Leslie will play a brand-new character, Ryan Wilder, who will take on the Batwoman mantle.
Shortly after the announcement of Leslie's casting, Rose revealed her enthusiasm for the decision in a heartfelt post on Instagram. Sharing a photo of the new Batwoman, Rose said in part that she "can't wait to watch season 2," while also calling Leslie's casting "amazing." Check out Rose's post below:
Rose's enthusiastic support of Leslie shows she has no hard feelings about her exit from Batwoman. It's also nice to see her call attention to the importance of Leslie's casting as a Black woman. As an out lesbian, Rose's casting was similarly groundbreaking, leading producers to reassure fans a LGBTQ actress would be cast as the new series lead. Rose's comments also prove she still has positive feelings toward those who work on Batwoman, suggesting her departure from the show must have been amicable.
As many performers have admitted it's hard to watch a show they used to be on after leaving, it's interesting to hear Rose say she's excited to watch season 2. Since Batwoman isn't returning until 2021, it will have been the better part of a year since Rose announced her exit. This gives her more time to create distance between herself and Batwoman, which may make it easier to see Leslie in the title role. At any rate, it's a nice post from Rose and should make Leslie feel welcome to the Batwoman family.
Source: Ruby Rose