Batwoman stans, the time has finally come for us to fawn over a new superhero. But honestly, we’ve struck gold with our new spandex-clad leading-lady. Actress Javicia Leslie has been named as the new star of The CW’s “Batwoman” after former-lead Ruby Rose quit her role in May, making her the first Black Batwoman.
“I am extremely proud to be the first Black actress to play the iconic role of Batwoman on television,” she said in a statement. “And as a bisexual woman, I am honored to join this groundbreaking show which has been such a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community.”
While Leslie won’t be playing the exact same character, she’s still set to take up the superhero helm as Ryan Wilder, a former drug runner with a “likable, messy, a little goofy and untamed” personality. She’s been described as “nothing like Kate Kane,” the role played by Rose, and the announcement was paired with the character’s full description:
With no one in her life to keep her on track, Ryan spent years as a drug-runner, dodging the GCPD and masking her pain with bad habits. Today Ryan lives in her van with her plant. A girl who would steal milk for an alley cat and could also kill you with her bare hands, Ryan is the most dangerous type of fighter: highly skilled and wildly undisciplined. An out lesbian. Athletic. Raw. Passionate. Fallible. And very much not your stereotypical all-American hero.
Although Leslie is taking up the mantle from Rose, the previous star had nothing but kind words for the new lead.
“This is amazing!” wrote Rose in an Instagram post. “I am so glad Batwoman will be played by an amazing Black woman. I want to congratulate Javicia Leslie on taking over the bat cape. You are walking into an amazing cast and crew. I can’t wait to watch season 2 you are going to be amazing!”
Leslie is known for her previous starring roles in the CBS series “God Friended Me,” the BET show “The Family Business,” and the film “Always a Bridesmaid.”
The second season of “Batwoman” is set to premiere on Sunday nights in January 2021 on The CW.
