There will be a new “Batwoman” in season 2 after series star Ruby Rose abruptly decided to split with the show prior to production picking back up later this year…
The CW will need a new Batwoman.
In a shocking move, actress Ruby Rose has decided to depart “Batwoman” ahead of season 2, which is expected to return to the CW in early 2021. The first season of the series just came to a close this past Sunday night but the show had already received a renewal for a second season back in January.
“I have made the very difficult decision to not return to Batwoman next season,” Rose said in a statement. “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.”
There’s been no further detail given about Rose’s split with the show but the CW is expected to recast the lead role prior to “Batwoman” season 2 getting into production later this year.
“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,” Warner Bros. TV, the CW 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.”
Prior to landing the lead role in “Batwoman,” Rose had never been a featured cast member on any TV series outside of a nine-episode stint she did on the Netflix series “Orange is the New Black.” Rose has done several film roles previously but filming on “Batwoman” required her to travel from her home in Australia to Vancouver where the show is shot.
Again, there’s no telling if the long travel or the intense schedule involving an episodic TV show like “Batwoman” played a part but obviously Rose opted to bow out before returning for another installment.
For now, Warner Bros. will begin the casting search to find her replacement before “Batwoman” returns in 2021.
