Javicia Leslie Cast As First Black Batwoman, Ruby Rose Responds

Michael Prieve 3 Min Read
Javicia Leslie Javicia Leslie "Bombshell" New York Screening

Batwoman has found its new series lead, with Javicia Leslie set to step into the role for the show’s upcoming second season on The CW.

“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,” Leslie said.

Javicia Leslie Front Row - February 2019 - New York Fashion Week: The Shows
Javicia Leslie attends the Ryan Roche front row during New York Fashion Week: The Shows at Gallery II at Spring Studios on February 10, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Getty Images)

The superhero drama previously starred Ruby Rose in its first season, but in May, the 34-year-old actress confirmed that she had exited the show.

“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,” the statement from Rose read.

Javicia Leslie Art Directors Guild 23rd Annual Excellence In Production Design Awards - Arrivals
Javicia Leslie at InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown on February 2, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Getty Images)

It continued: “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.”

A Reddit casting notice last month had encouraged actors within the LGBTQ community to audition.

Javicia Leslie "Bombshell" New York Screening
Javicia Leslie attends the “Bombshell” New York Screening at Jazz at Lincoln Center on December 16, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)

Leslie most recently appeared in the film Roped and also starred in the comedy series God Friended Me.

In an Instagram post, Leslie shared her excitement.

“For all of the little black girls dreaming to be a superhero one day… it’s possible!” she wrote.

Rose also praised the actress in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

“OMG!! This is amazing!! I am so glad Batwoman will be played by an amazing Black woman,” the “Orange Is the New Black” actress wrote. “I want to congratulate Javicia Leslie on taking over the bat cape. You are walking into an amazing cast and crew. I can’t wait to watch season 2 you are going to be amazing!!”

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