Meet TV’s New Batwoman! (VIDEO)
The CW has found its new Batwoman to replace Ruby Rose, who departed the DC TV series after its first season.
According to Variety, actress Javicia Leslie will don the Batcowl for the show’s upcoming second season.
Leslie had previously appeared on CBS’ series “God Friended Me” for two seasons.
The character of Batwoman, who first appeared in DC Comics in 2006, made waves as one of the first major comic book characters to be lesbian. “Batwoman” executive producer Greg Berlanti, who is gay, wanted to have the TV version of the character played by a member of the LGBTQ community, which led to the casting of Ruby Rose, who is bisexual.
In keeping with that trend, Leslie is bisexual, something she made note of in a statement announcing her casting.
“I am extremely proud to be the first Black actress to play the iconic role of Batwoman on television,” Leslie said. “As a bisexual woman, I am honored to join this groundbreaking show which has been such a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community.”
More from Variety, which posted details on the character provided by CW.
Leslie will portray a new character on the show named Ryan Wilder. She is described as likable, messy, a little goofy and untamed. She’s also nothing like Kate Kane (previously played by Ruby Rose), 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. She is an out lesbian, athletic, raw, passionate, fallible, and very much not your stereotypical All-American hero.
“Batwoman” will return on Sunday nights in January 2021, barring any production delays.
Leslie, when she was just starting out in Hollywood, posted videos on her own YouTube channel. In this video, from 2011, she talks about following your dreams. It seemed fitting to include it here, as she takes on her biggest role yet.
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