Batwoman star Ruby Rose has decided not to reprise the lead role of Kate Kane for the show's upcoming second season.
This news comes just two days after the DC TV show aired its Season 1 finale. Batwoman was renewed for a second season in January, but this obviously leaves the series without a lead. Warner Bros. TV will now begin the search for a new actress to take over the Gotham City vigilante's cape and cowl.
Rose released a statement confirming that she's parted ways with the show, but didn't specify why.
“I have made the very difficult decision to not return to Batwoman next season," said the actress. "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.”
The CW, Warner Bros. TV and Berlanti Productions jointly added, "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."
Rose faced a lot of backlash from "fans" when she was first cast as Batwoman, and while her performance came in for some criticism at first, she did seem to grow into the role as the season progressed and won many detractors over.
Rose's decision to leave the character behind is obviously going to prompt a lot of speculation, but we'll just have to wait and see if she decides to share any more details.
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