Ruby Rose's departure from Batwoman after a single season after suffering from a back injury as a consequence of stunt work, stress, and for reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Though Rose has left the production, Batwoman is nearing the premiere of its second season.
Fans were faced with the fear that DC and The CW would opt for the "Bury Your Gays" trope, but Kate "Batwoman" Kane would be replaced by a new hero, still under the alias of Batwoman, in season two.
"As a lesbian who’s been working as a writer for the past 15 years, I’m well aware of the 'Bury Your Gays' trope and I have no interest in participating in it," Batwoman creator Caroline Dries had said, "I think some TV shows can get away with [recasting], but for us, it felt a little wonky. I decided, let’s continue the storyline but let’s introduce this new character who takes on the mantle of Batwoman, and maintain Kate Kane’s legacy on the show and create a mystery around where she went and lean into the challenge."
Batwoman will take the new direction of following the mystery surrounding former Batwoman, who was played by Rose, and her disappearance upon the second season's first episode "What Happened to Kate Kane?" Season two's premiere will not only investigate why Kane's gone missing but will dig into dangers in Gotham both old and new. The new Batwoman, 25-year-old homeless woman Ryan Wilder, will also come across the Batsuit and take it upon herself to become the next bat-inspired crimefighter.
Described as "a sassy, smart lesbian with a difficult past," Ryan's background is less privileged than Kane's, and views the Batsuit as "her chance to finally be powerful and no longer a victim as she survives in the tough streets of the city."
Javicia Leslie, who is set to make her debut as the next Batwoman, spoke upon being the first black, lesbian Batwoman in a live-action DC production. "It’s important to have representation in general. Fans of DC represent everyone, whether it’s about race, whether it’s LGBTQ. I think what I love so much about my show is that every character is really a great representation of everything," she said.
Batwoman, starring Javicia Leslie, Rachel Skarsten, Meagan Tandy, Camrus Johnson, Dougray Scott, and Nicole Kang, premieres on January 17, 2021, on The CW.
Comments