Batwoman has found its new series lead, with God Friended Me star Javicia Leslie set to step into the cape and cowl for the show’s upcoming second season on The CW.
Javicia Leslie takes over the lead role from Ruby Rose, who departed Batwoman following the show’s first season. Leslie will play a character named Ryan Wilder, becoming the first Black actress to play Batwoman in a live-action TV or film production.
“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,” said Leslie.
Javicia Leslie character’s Ryan Wilder is described as “likable, messy, a little goofy and untamed. She’s also nothing like Kate Kane, the woman who wore the Batsuit before her. 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.”
Leslie recently starred on the CBS series God Friended Me, which aired for two seasons. That show was also produced by Warner Bros. Television. She also starred in the BET series The Family Business and the film Always a Bridesmaid. Leslie is repped by Stewart Talent and Thirdhill Entertainment.
Batwoman is produced by Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. Caroline Dries developed the series and served as executive producer for season one with Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Geoff Johns. Batwoman is based on characters created for DC by Bob Kane with Bill Finger.
Batwoman is scheduled to return in January on Sunday nights on The CW.
I am from Houston, Texas where I graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Political Science. I worked as Assistant
I am from Houston, Texas where I graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Political Science. I worked as Assistant Production Intern for 104.1 KRBE radio station where I produced two shows in the mornings and afternoons. I began writing my senior year of college for Cliche Magazine as an Entertainment Writer. After a year with Cliche Magazine, I began freelance writing for various online companies and became a staff writer for ScreenRant. After leaving ScreenRant, I started independent work again as a Contributor Entertainment Writer. On top of writing, I work as a Social Media Manager for Blessed Beatz Radio and Active Athlete Sneaker Company.