A new report from Deadline states that lead actress Ruby Rose will not return to the sophomore season of Batwoman, based on the popular DC Comics superhero. The CW series will still continue with a second season, although the lead role will now be recast.
Ruby Rose said the following in a statement:
“I have made the very difficult decision to not return to Batwoman next season. 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.”
“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,” she said. “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.”
In a joint statement, Berlanti Prods. and WBTV reaffirmed their commitment to Batwoman and to casting another LGBTQ actress in the groundbreaking role.
“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 two companies said. “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.”
While details may release later on the reasons behind her departure, currently they’re unknown. Ruby Rose endured large amounts of harassment via social media and a stunt injury during filming for Season 1, which left her facing paralysis and needing emergency surgery. However, Deadline reports those are not reasons behind her departure.
Whether this effects production on season 2 outside of any COVID-19 delays remains to be seen. Luckily for the writers, they’ve already introduced a character with a history of plastic surgery through Hush. Maybe that’ll provide a creative explanation for the recast.
