In a shock announcement, Ruby Rose has departed the lead role on “Batwoman” on The CW after a single season. Warner Bros. Television has announced that the role will be recast when the show returns in 2021.
The news arrives two days after the show’s season finale and leaves the show without a lead for now. The series was renewed for a second season in January and was set to anchor the network’s Sunday night starting in early 2021.
No reason has been given for Rose’s departure. A change of lead actor or actress in a series after one season is rare though usually can either be written around (eg. “Doctor Who,” “Babylon 5”) or change due to extraordinary circumstances (eg. “Spartacus”)
Rose faced immediate backlash on social media after she was cast and would eventually quit Twitter, although she remains active on Instagram. She also underwent emergency surgery early in the show’s run after herniating two discs doing stunts and nearly severing her spinal chord.
Rose says 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. 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, Warner Bros. TV and Berlanti Productions said jointly: “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 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.”
Rose starred on the series as Kate Kane, a cousin of Bruce Wayne’s who takes on the mantle of Batwoman.
Source: The Live Feed
