ABOVE: Ruby Rose (R) with Dougray Scott in “Batwoman” pilot. (Screenshot from TheCW.com)
Ruby Rose will not return to play the titular character of “Batwoman” when the series returns to The CW, the actress announced in a statement May 19.
“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,” Rose said.
The reason for Rose’s departure was not addressed in her statement.
Rose did thank those who gave her the opportunity to star in “Batwoman,” which became the first TV series to focus on an LGBTQ superhero with an LGBTQ star in the lead.
“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,” she said. “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.”
Although the show’s star has now departed the series, Warner Bros. and The CW released a joint statement along with the producers of “Batwoman” to say that there will be a season 2 with a new actress in the title role.
“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 statement said. “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.”
