God Friended Me co-star Javicia Leslie has been cast as the new Batwoman, succeeding Ruby Rose who exited the role after the end of season one. Leslie’s iteration of Batwoman will center on a character named Ryan Wilder, according to Warner Bros., which produces the series. (The studio, like CNN, is owned by WarnerMedia.)
“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 said in a statement.
Batwoman premiered last fall as the first superhero series in television history to feature an avowed LGBTQ character as the central character. Following Rose’s departure, the producers vowed to cast another LGBTQ actor in the role.
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. The series is based on characters created for DC by Bob Kane with Bill Finger.
Leslie’s other credits include the BET drama The Family Business and 2019 rom-com Always a Bridesmaid.
