When the news that Ruby Rose was leaving the Batwoman series hit, the speculation began almost immediately. The one person we didn't really seem to hear from was Rose. Sure there was a statement on social media, something along the lines of "those that know, know", but nothing that really had any detail. In a recent interview with EW, Rose finally opens up on the reasons that she left the role.
Yes I said "reasons", because it doesn't appear that it was any one thing. When the show was shut down thanks to COVID-19, Rose said that she really had time to think and reflect on what it was she really wanted to do. For starters, she said, "Being the lead of a superhero show is tough. [Laughs] Being the lead in anything is tough." That seems more than fair, as stars have often spoken to me about late nights and long hours shooting on certain superhero series. Rose went on to explain that in more detail.
"But I think, in that particular instance, it was a lot more difficult because I was still recovering from my surgery. I had my surgery and then 10 days later I went to work, which maybe wasn't the best idea. Most people take about a month or three off before they return to work, so it was definitely made more difficult by that. But as far as being a lead of a show or a film — regardless if it's action or if it's emotional — in whichever ways it's taxing."
So the injury that she sustained on set definitely factored into the decision. Admitting that she probably came back to work too early shows that she shares the responsibility of how things went wrong. She seems to confirm reports that the mood on the set wasn't exactly a good one before she departed, both with her and the producers.
"It wasn't so much [the injury], especially because after we wrapped up we didn't get to finish the real finale because of COVID," she says. "You know, you have time in quarantine and sort of isolation to just think about a lot of different things and what you want to achieve in life and what you want to do. I think for both [me and the producers], it was a great opportunity to have a dialogue about a lot of things. I respect them so much and they've been so respectful to me."
In the end, when both statements were released at the time of her departure, it feels like everyone realized this was for the best. Whether you enjoyed the work that Rose did on the show or not, she also made a very classy move in giving her blessing to the new Batwoman, Javicia Leslie.
"I think she definitely knows what she's doing and she seems fantastic. I think that honestly, I was so proud and so happy when I was told who would be replacing me. I'm just really stoked and I'm definitely going to watch the next season as well and see how it all comes together."
Remember, this will be a new character that Leslie will be playing in Ryan Wilder. Kate Kane is not being replaced, so that door will remain open. Whether or not Ruby Rose decides to step through it in the future remains to be seen. There have been exits in the Arrowverse that seemed permanent before, whether the reasons were on screen or off screen. Whether on TV or on the page, it's comics, so you can never say never.
Photo Credit: Bettina Strauss/The CW