Ruby Rose is leaving her titular role in Batwoman after only one season, according to the The Hollywood Reporter. Warner Bros. has announced that the DC character will be recast, though when that will occur is uncertain. The season 1 finale of The CW show premiered just two days ago and was renewed for a second season this past January.
Rose provided a statement on the matter:
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., The CW, and Berlanti Productions commented together as well, saying that they would like to “thank Ruby for her contributions to the success of our first season and wish her all the best.” The studio and network reiterated that they are “firmly committed to Batwoman’s second season and long-term future,” promising to share the show’s new direction with “the casting of a new lead actress and member of the LGBTQ community, in the coming months.” Most recently, the show introduced DC super villain Hush.
Batwoman season 1 came to a premature end due to the coronavirus pandemic, airing only 20 of its planned 22 episodes. The Hollywood Reporter’s sources said that it is unclear if the two unfinished episodes would have set up an entrance for a new lead. The show is currently scheduled to return in 2021.
