The first season of The CW's Batwoman starred Ruby Rose of Kate Kane, a young woman who decided to defend Gotham City in the absence of Batman, but just several weeks ago it was revealed that Rose would be stepping down as the star of the series which had already been renewed for a second season.
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." At the time, it was said that the role of Kate Kane would be recast with a new actress, but it seems that The CW is looking to create a new character instead. First reported by Decider and later confirmed by THR, the new character reportedly goes by the name of Ryan Wilder, who was described in a since-deleted casting notice on Reddit as a woman in her mid-20s who is "about to become Batwoman."
She’s likable, messy, a little goofy and untamed. She’s also nothing like Kate Kane, the woman who wore the batsuit before her. 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. A girl who would steal milk for an alley cat 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.
While Kate Kane fans may be disappointed that the character won't continue as Batwoman, it does make a little more sense for The CW to create a new character rather than replacing Kane with a new actress. Following Ruby Rose's departure, new details emerged which suggested that the actress was "unhappy with the long hours required of her as a series lead, which led to a lot of friction on set. As this tension escalated, it was decided by her, the network, and studio, Warner Bros. Television, that a parting of ways was best." Is creating a new character the best move, or would you prefer to see another actress take over the Kate Kane role?
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