Ruby Rose Exits ‘Batwoman’, CW Series to Continue With New Lead

It’s time for Gotham City to start the hunt for a superhero replacement. Ruby Rose is leaving Batwoman after playing the titular character for only one season, Deadline reports. Her departure from the series comes after The CW renewed Batwoman for Season 2 in January, and the show is expected to continue with a new actor in the title role.

Rose released a statement today, two days after the show’s season finale, explaining her decision to leave. “I have made the very difficult decision to not return to Batwoman next season,” Rose said. “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.”

She went on to thank the creative team behind Batwoman, expressing her gratitude for working with them on the show. “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. 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.”

The CW broke barriers with Batwoman, which made history by featuring a lesbian superhero as its star character. Rose was cast as the lead in summer 2018 and initially faced backlash from fans arguing that she wasn’t the right fit because of her sexuality and religion (Rose is openly lesbian like the character, but is not Jewish, unlike Kate Kane/Batwoman).

In a joint statement, Berlanti Productions and WBTV confirmed Rose’s departure and committed to finding a replacement who also identifies as part of the LGBT community. “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 companies stated. “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.”

Neither Rose nor the show’s producers revealed why the actress is leaving the series, but sources told Deadline that her decision is not connected to the serious injury she suffered on set while filming scenes last September.

Batwoman ended Season 1 early on May 17 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Season 2 is expected to air on The CW next year.

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