Apparently, it only took one season for Ruby Rose to figure out she’s not ready to become a full-time superhero in the CW Arrowverse, as the lead actress for the network’s most recent superhero launch, “Batwoman,” has hung up her cape and cowl for good.
According to Deadline, Rose has informed CW and the crew behind the new hit series, “Batwoman,” that she doesn’t intend on returning for Season 2. To say this is surprising is an understatement, as the network has a number of connected Arrowverse shows with almost a decade of history and no major shakeups to casting such as this. And what’s even more surprising is that CW is poised to make “Batwoman” one of its premier series by including the show in a big crossover with the upcoming “Superman & Lois Lane” series later this year. That is to say, everything seems to be pointing to “Batwoman” becoming the crown jewel of the Arrowverse.
“I have made the very difficult decision to not return to ‘Batwoman’ next season,” Rose explained. “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.”
She added, “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 no one is formally explaining the reasons for the departure, the report claims that the split between Rose and the CW series is amicable, after discussions about the “challenges” of Season 1 led to the agreement for the series’ star to leave before production of Season 2 can commence.
“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 studios said in a 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 final bit of that statement is interesting and shows CW’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The biggest news about Rose originally being cast in the series is that it was the first superhero TV series to feature an open member of the LGBTQ community in the lead role, which is fitting considering the character of Batwoman is an open lesbian. So, CW confirming that the actress that eventually takes over the role will also be a member of the LGBTQ community shows that the network takes representation seriously.
That being said, it’ll be interesting to see how fans react to the new actress. Clearly, Ruby Rose was able to make Season 1 a hit for the network and CW definitely doesn’t want to rock the boat too much, potentially derailing any momentum. Regardless, this will be the first test for the Arrowverse to see if the characters are bigger than the actors who portray them.