Batwoman to feature new LGBT+ lead character after shock Ruby Rose exit

Like her predecessor, the character will reportedly be an ‘out lesbian’

The CW’s superhero series Batwoman will introduce a new lead character following the shock departure of actor Ruby Rose.

In the first season, Rose had portrayed Kate Kane, the cousin of Bruce Wayne who fought crime under the alter-ego of Batwoman.

Decider reports that, rather than attempt to recast the character, series chiefs are looking to re-focus the show on a character called Ryan Wilder.

The news stems from a leaked (and since-deleted) casting call, in which Ryan Wilder’s character is described as being “female, Mid-late twenties, any ethnicity” and “about to become Batwoman”.

The description reads: “She’s likeable, messy, a little goofy and untamed. She’s also nothing like Kate Kane, the woman who wore the batsuit before her.”

In the casting call, it was also specified that the character would be “an out lesbian”.

“Performers who identify as LGBTQ are encouraged to submit,” continued the post.

The Hollywood Reporter separately confirmed that Kate Kane was to be written out and replaced.

Rose has not confirmed the exact reasons for leaving the series; reports suggest that tensions arose as Rose was dissatisfied with the long hours required of her to work on set.