Fans were shocked when they learned that Batwoman lead star Ruby Rose has decided to exit the series after one season. The Australian actress expressed her gratitude and respect to the cast and crew that she worked with in Vancouver and Los Angeles but did not say her reason for leaving.
In a statement, Rose said it was a difficult decision not to return on Batwoman Season 2. She thanked Warner Bros. TV and The CW for giving her an opportunity to play an iconic role and welcoming her to the DC universe. The Orange Is The New Black actress also thanked the fans who supported her and made the first installment of the newest addition to the Arrowverse a success.
The CW, Warner Bros. TV, and Berlanti Productions likewise thanked Rose for her contributions to the success of the first season and wished the actress all the best for her future endeavors. The studio and network also assured that they are committed to doing Batwoman Season 2. It also announced that they will recasting the titular role in the coming months.
It wasn't clear why Rose decided to depart the series. However, fans have theories.
Some speculate that it could be due to the injury Rose sustained while filming a stunt in Season 1. The injury almost left her paralyzed and had to undergo emergency surgery for two herniated discs.
Others believe that it could be due to the criticisms that the actress/DJ received on social media right after she was cast for the role of Bruce Wayne's cousin, Kate Kane. The backlash resulted in Rose quitting Twitter but she remains active on Instagram.
According to Deadline, Rose and the production studio and network have mutually decided to part ways after reflecting on the challenges they have faced in Season 1. The publication added the John Wick: Chapter 2 actress was no longer happy, so was the show's production team to the point that no one sees the series to have another season.
Batwoman/Kate Kane debuted in December 2018 during The CW's annual crossover event for its DC Comics shows. The character made TV history when it premiered in October 2019. It is the first scripted live-action TV series to feature a lesbian superhero as the lead star. It is expected that the next star who will play Batwoman will be openly gay also like Ruby Rose.
Batwoman Season 1 wrapped up over the weekend with 20 episodes instead of planned 22. Like other TV series, the superhero show was also forced to cut down its episodes after its filming was halted due to the coronavirus lockdown.
The Hollywood Reporter cited a source confirming that the series' May 17 episode was Rose's last. However, it wasn't clear if the show has already set up the transition from Rose to the new lead in the supposed last two episodes of the first season.
