In a move unheard of in the small screen world of comic book adaptations, The CW’s Batwoman has lost its lead star Ruby Rose (John Wick: Chapter 2) ahead of production on the second season and leaves Warner Bros. TV looking to recast the role, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
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The shocking announcement comes on the heels of the first season finale and after the network announced that not only would it be anchoring its Sunday night roster in early 2021, but would also be getting a crossover event with the upcoming Superman & Lois. Rose’s portrayal of the character was seen as a landmark in TV history as it was the first series to feature a lesbian superhero lead and was of major importance to the production crew and producers Greg Berlanti and showrunner Caroline Dries.
Despite the sudden departure, both the 34-year-old star and producers Warner Bros. TV and Berlanti Productions released statements in which they praised one another for their work, while not disclosing the reason behind her leaving.
“I have made the very difficult decision to not return to Batwoman next season,” Rose said. “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.”
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“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 CW, WBTV and Berlanti Productions said in a joint statement. “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.“
The first season of Batwoman concluded early, as many others were forced to this season, due to the global pandemic forcing production to shut down before the final two episodes of its 22-episode season could be shot. Sources report that the planned finale was always Rose’s last with the series, but that it’s unclear if a transition to a new lead would have been hinted at in those final episodes.
Based on the characters from DC, Batwoman is from Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television with executive producers Greg Berlanti, Caroline Dries, Geoff Johns, and Sarah Schechter. David Nutter and Marcos Siega executive produced the pilot.
