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Following Ruby Rose‘s shocking exit from The CW‘s Batwoman after just one season, the network was scrambling to find a new leading woman. Actor Javicia Leslie will be stepping into the role, but it’s not in the way that anyone ever expected.

Ruby Rose refused to reveal why she left ‘Batwoman’

In May 2020 following Batwoman‘s renewal at The CW, Rose announced she would not be returning. “I have made the very difficult decision to not return to Batwoman next season,” she said in a statement. “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.”

Many fans and insiders speculated that the Australian actor had grown weary of the hectic work schedule. “I hear Rose, whose most extensive previous TV gig was a nine-episode arc on Orange Is the New Black, was not happy, and the show’s team was not happy to a point where no one could see this going for another season,” Deadline’s Nellie Andreeva revealed. “It was not a good fit, and the studio and the star opted to part ways.”

Others pointed toward the terrifying incident on set that nearly left her paralyzed. For now, it appears that the 34-year-old is staying quiet about her real reason for leaving the show. She shared on Instagram,

It wasn’t an easy decision but those who know, know…I didn’t want to not acknowledge everyone involved and how big this was for TV and for our community. I have stayed silent because that’s my choice for now but know I adore you all. I’m sure next season will be amazing also. Xxx *hangs up cowl and cape.

Javicia Leslie is thrilled to be starring in ‘Batwoman’

When Rose left the series, Warner Bros., The CW, and Berlanti Productions promised she would be replaced by a member of the LGBTQ community. They found that actor in God Friended Me alum, Javicia Leslie.

In a statement to Variety, Leslie spoke about stepping into Rose’s shoes. “I am extremely proud to be the first Black actress to play the iconic role of Batwoman on television, and as a bisexual woman, I am honored to join this groundbreaking show which has been such a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community.”

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Here’s what we know about Javicia Leslie’s ‘Batwoman’ character

Leslie will not be portraying Kate Kane. Her character’s name is Ryan Wilder. She’s described as messy, goof, and untamed. According to Variety,

Ryan spent years as a drug-runner, dodging the GCPD and masking her pain with bad habits. Today Ryan lives in her van with her plant. A girl who would steal milk for an alley cat and could also kill you with her bare hands, Ryan is the most dangerous type of fighter: highly skilled and wildly undisciplined. She is an out lesbian, athletic, raw, passionate, fallible, and very much not your stereotypical All-American hero.

For now, Season 2 of Batwoman is slated to debut in January 2021. However, due to COVID-19 that could be pushed. Either way, it’s certainly interesting that Leslie won’t be totally tackling Rose’s role.

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