While Ruby Rose portrayed Batwoman during Season 1 of The CW DC series, she will not be returning for Season 2. In what was a surprise announcement, the actress revealed she was leaving her starring role. While Season 2 of Batwoman will feature an entirely new lead, according to a report, multiple sources told Variety that Rose was “unhappy with the long hours required of her as the series lead, which led to friction on set.”
Some people speculated that Rose left Batwoman due to lingering pain from her surgery to repair her herniated discs. However, Variety’s sources said her decision to leave the show was unrelated to her health or an injury. In a statement, Rose said she has “the utmost respect for the cast, crew, and everyone involved” in the show. “Thank you to everyone who made Season 1 a success–I am truly grateful,” Rose said.
It was reported this week that Rose’s character of Kate Cain won’t be recast. Batwoman producers are auditioning LGBTQ performers to play a new lead character named Ryan Wilder, who is described as as “likable, messy, a little goofy, and untamed.”
Batwoman Season 1 concluded the week of May 18, with a finale episode cliffhanger establishing a new villain for Kate to face off against in the future. Season 2 is set to premiere sometime in January 2021, but it is unknown whether the new casting process will lead to delays.
