I didn't want to write about this story right away, because I wanted to let the dust settle for a bit. Now that it has, Batwoman will have someone different under the cowl next season. The Hollywood Reporter was the first to break the news that Ruby Rose would be exiting the title role of the series after just one season. Yes, this was a decision that was made by Rose, but there is more to it than that. Before I get to that, this is what she had to say about her departure:
"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."
Warner Bros. TV also issued a statement, which thanked Rose and also said that the role would be re-cast for the upcoming second season. While speculation has already started on who will take up the mantle next, the same statement also said that the role would be given to a, "member of the LGBTQ community." So what's next?
Keep in mind that Ruby Rose faced a lot of backlash almost immediately after being cast as the lesbian superhero. She quit Twitter shortly after. If that wasn't bad enough, you might remember back in September of 2019 when it was reported that Rose suffered a serious injury on set. She faced possible paralysis, and that's not something that just heals up on a few months. It's not like she took much time off after the injury either. I obviously won't speak for her, but I have to imagine that she is still feeling the pain of that injury. While it's easy, as a fan, to want her to continue in the role, it might have been something that had just gotten to be too much.
So now there is a chance for a fresh start. Since The CW has delayed pretty much all of their regular Fall series until January due to the coronavirus pandemic, this certainly gives Warner Bros. time to find a suitable replacement. I will save any speculation for Episode 317 of the podcast, but there are certainly a couple of names that come to mind. Regardless of who the new Kate Kane will be, it will be interesting to see how this affects the chemistry on set with other established characters like Alice, Luke and Mary. That is not something that can be easily dismissed. It's not like too many returning shows lose their lead after only the first season. This will be especially interesting for Season 2 of Batwoman, with a lot of very personal and emotional storylines lingering from the end of Season 1.
More on this as it develops.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Morris/The CW