Ruby Rose Quits Batwoman Season 2

While Batwoman Season 2 is officially on the CW schedule for January 2021, when it returns, it will have a different actress in the title role. Ruby Rose announced that she is leaving the series, for reasons that haven’t yet been made clear. The news came in a statement from Rose.

“I have made the very difficult decision to not return to Batwoman next season,” Rose offered in a statement (via Variety). “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.”

While it isn’t specified why she is leaving Batwoman behind, it’s possible that there are health issues involved. Rose had sustained an injury early in filming the first season that left her with two severely herniated discs that needed surgical correction. She also has a history with spinal/back issues. The role of Kate Kane is a seriously physical one, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the physical demands were further endangering Rose’s health. However, without further clarification from Rose, the studio, or the network, that is only speculation. However “a source familiar with the situation” told Variety that Rose’s departure from the show “had nothing to do with her health or injury.”

The statement from Warner Bros. TV, the CW, and Berlanti Productions doesn’t shed much more light on the matter.

“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 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.”

While recastings are common, this will be the first time since the late 1980s The Adventures of Superboy TV series when a lead superhero actor had to be replaced in between seasons, when John Haymes Newton was replaced by Gerard Christopher. In the 1970s, the Shazam! series replaced Jackson Bostwick with John Davey early in the second season. Rose was an excellent choice for Kate Kane and brings a devoted fandom to the role. It will be fascinating to see who steps in to fill the cowl for Batwoman Season 2.

Batwoman Season 2 is expected to arrive on The CW in January 2021. The first season will hit HBO Max at launch.