Gotham City has a new Batwoman!
The CW network has cast bisexual actress Javicia Leslie to replace Australian actor/DJ Ruby Rose in the stand-alone Batwoman series, after Rose announced her departure from the show last month.
“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 honoured to join this groundbreaking show which has been such a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community,” Leslie said in a statement.
Leslie, who has previously starred on shows including God Friended Me and The Family Business, was quick to be congratulated by friends, fans and colleagues online.
"I’m just so proud of my girl!" Tweeted actor Yvette Nicole Brown.
She added: "Shine, sis! SHINE!!!"
Leslie was also congratulated by Rose, who wrote on Instagram: "OMG!! This is amazing!! I am so glad Batwoman will be played by an amazing Black woman."
The Aussie, who is now based in Los Angeles, continued: "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!!"
Rose previously shared on social media that it was a "very difficult decision" to not return to Batwoman.
“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," she wrote in a lengthy social media caption.
"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.”
