Batwoman to be recast as Ruby Rose decides to step away from the role

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

The first season of Batwoman wrapped up just days ago, and The CW has already renewed the series for a second season, but Deadline has learned that Ruby Rose, who stars as Kate Kane/Batwoman, has decided to depart the series.

In a statement, Ruby Rose said, "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." While Ruby Rose may be exiting the series, Batwoman will continue as the role will be recast. As far as just why Ruby Rose has stepped away from Batwoman, no one is saying, but Deadline's sources say that it's not related to the stunt injury she sustained during the filming of the first season, which left her facing the threat of paralysis and needing emergency surgery. In a joint statement, Belanti Productions, Warner Bros. Television, and The CW said:

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 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 was originally slated to include 22 episodes, but the COVID-19 shutdown forced production to end a little earlier than intended with its 20th episode. This is certainly quite the shake-up for Batwoman, but the team seems confident in moving foward with a new actress taking over the role for the second season.

Who would you like to see take over the role of Batwoman in The CW series?