Javicia Leslie Cast as New Batwoman, and Her Character is Nothing Like Kate Kane

The CW has a new Batwoman! Javicia Leslie is joining the Arrowverse show for Season 2.

Leslie takes over the lead role from Ruby Rose, who announced her exit in May.

Javicia said in a statement, “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 will play Ryan Wilder, who is described as nothing like Rose’s Kate Kane.

The network announced the news, saying Wilder will be “likeable, messy, a little goofy and untamed.” She spent years as a drug runner “masking her pain with bad habits,” and now lives in a van. While she would “steal milk for an alley cat,” she can also “kill you with her bare hands.” Wilder is highly skilled but wildly undisciplined. She’s further described as “an out lesbian” who is “athletic. Raw. Passionate. Fallible.”

Javicia is known for her roles in “God Friended Me,” “The Family Business,” and “Always a Bridesmaid.”

“Batwoman” Season 2 is currently slated to premiere in January 2021.