Javicia Leslie Is the New Batwoman
The CW’s Batwoman has a new Batwoman.
Warner Bros. Television, The CW, and Berlanti Productions made the announcement today, that Javicia Leslie will be the new lead in the show’s second season. Instead of taking over the role of Kate Kane vacated by Ruby Rose earlier this year, Leslie will play a character newly minted for the show.
The character, Ryan Wilder, is described as “nothing like Kate Kane” in the network release: “With no one in her life to keep her on track, 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. An out lesbian. Athletic. Raw. Passionate. Fallible. And very much not your stereotypical all-American hero.”
In a statement, Leslie said, “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’s past television appearances include two seasons as Ali Finer on God Friended Me, which was also produced by Warner Bros. Television. Leslie was also a regular opposite Ernie Hudson in The Family Business on BET, and appeared in the film Always a Bridesmaid. Born in Augsburg, Germany, she grew up in the Washington, D.C. area, and her training includes Muay Thai, boxing, and weapons, among other skills.
Batwoman will make its second season debut in January 2021 with a Sunday 8p Eastern time slot.
