‘Batwoman’ Ruby Rose Exits Series, Recasting Lead Role For Season 2 Underway

In a surprising turn of events, Ruby Rose has dropped out of The CW show “Batwoman” following the first season final on May 17. The network is now recasting the lead role for the second season.

“I have made the very difficult decision to not return to Batwoman next season,” the actress revealed in a statement to thank the people she worked with. “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.”

Ruby Rose didn’t reveal a specific reason but in September, the actress was apparently severely hurt from doing her stunts on the Arrowverse spinoff. In a joint response with the network, Ruby was also thanked by Warner Bros. Television.

“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 studio’s statement read.

The lead star’s departure comes as the finale ended with a bunch of cliffhangers that will be addressed in the second season. Filming for “Batwoman” season 1 was put on hold amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Showrunner Caroline Dries said that they had to contend with putting episode 20 as the finale episode. The move prove to work, however, as it served as the jumping point for the second season’s return.

The CW won’t premiere its slate of shows until January 2020, as announced earlier. Production for “Batwoman” season 2 won’t likely begin until the fall season, instead of the summer.

Ruby Rose became the first LGBT lead superhero as Batwoman. She was introduced in the “Arrow” series and earned a spinoff from The CW.