Javicia Leslie Cast As Batwoman Marks The First Black Actress To Play The Role

Published on July 9, 2020.
Olivia Di Pede

Press Association

Javicia Leslie has been cast in the CW’s Batwoman series following Ruby Rose’s exit, which makes her the first black actress to play the role!

“I am extremely proud to be the first Black actress to play the iconic role of Batwoman on television, and as a bisexual woman, I am honored to join this groundbreaking show which has been such a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community,” Lesli shared in a press release on Wednesday.

The series is set to return to The CW for season 2 in January 2021, which is when Leslie will make her debut as the superhero. In the new season, Leslie will play Ryan Wilder, who is described as “likable, messy, a little goofy and untamed.” Warner Bros. also added in their official character description that the new character is “nothing like Kate Kane,” who was played by Ruby Rose in season 1.

Leslie shared the news on Instagram on Wednesday. In the caption, she wrote, “For all of the little black girls dreaming to be a superhero one day… it’s possible!”

Ruby Rose announced back in May that she would not be returning to the role. “I have made the very difficult decision to not return to Batwoman next season,” Rose said in a statement. “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.”

Rose added, “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.”

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