After Ruby Rose declined the second opportunity to be the titular role in Batwoman two months ago, creators searched high and low for a new lead. In turn, they found a woman who they felt would master the character with precision: God Friended Me’s Javicia Leslie. Leslie recently signed on to portray Ryan Wilder, the first Black actress to play Batwoman in a live-action TV or film. The character she’s tapping into is described as “likable, messy, a little goofy and untamed.” Shes also “nothing like Kate Kane, the woman who wore the Batsuit before her.”
“I am extremely proud to be the first Black actress to play the iconic role of Batwoman on television. As a bisexual woman, I am honored to join this groundbreaking show, which has been such a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community,” Leslie said in a statement.
The first season starred Ruby Rose as Kate Kane/Batwoman, Rachel Skarsten as Alice, Meagan Tandy as Sophie Moore, Camrus Johnson as Luke Fox, Nicole Kang as Mary Hamilton, Dougray Scott as Jacob Kane and Elizabeth Anweis as Catherine Hamilton-Kane.
The characters take inspiration from DC’s Batwoman. Berlanti Productions run the show with Warner Bros Television and executive producers Greg Berlanti, Caroline Dries, Geoff Johns, and Sarah Schechter.
The second season will debut in January 2021.
