The CW reveals Ruby Rose will play Kate Kane aka. Batwoman in the Arrowverse; she'll first be introduced in this winter's crossover event. The network has been expanding its lineup of superhero shows ever since Arrow launched The Flash as a spinoff series. Since then, the roster has grown to include Legends of Tomorrow and Supergirl, with all four shows taking place in the same multiverse. Further, Black Lightning joined the network, but that series' exact connection to the other shows has not yet been confirmed.

Recently, it was reported The CW is developing a Batwoman TV series that will likely premiere Fall 2019. But first, Kate Kane will appear in the Arrowverse later this year as part of the annual crossover event. Batwoman joins the 2018 Arrowverse crossover that will include characters from Arrow, Supergirl and The Flash, but not Legends of Tomorrow. Since Black Lightning has largely remained separate from its fellow CW DC shows, its superheroes also aren't expected to take part in the crossover event as of now. While little else is known about this year's DCTV crossover, we do know it will see the superheroes heading to Gotham City where they'll meet Batwoman. And now, the actress playing the new superhero has been announced.

Related: Arrowverse Comic-Con Trailer Welcomes Batwoman

Variety reports Ruby Rose has joined the Arrowverse as Kate Kane aka. Batwoman. She'll first step into the role for this year's crossover before starring in the Batwoman TV show that's in development. The solo TV series will see Caroline Dries serve as writer and executive producer, while Arrowverse architect Greg Berlanti will additionally executive produce with Sarah Schechter. DC's Geoff Johns will also executive produce the Kate Kane show.

Batwoman Ruby Rose

Rose, for her part, has a varied career that spans modeling, DJing and acting. The actress rose to popularity for her role in season 3 of Netflix's original TV series Orange is the New Black, but has since co-starred in a number of action films, including xXx: Return of Xander Cage, John Wick: Chapter Two, and Resident Evil: The Final Chapter. She also lent both her musical and acting talents to Pitch Perfect 3. Now, Rose joins The CW's Arrowverse as Batwoman.

Shortly after the Batwoman TV series was announced, it was reported the show's creators were looking for an out actress to play Kate Kane, who is a lesbian. The show has fulfilled that promise to fans by casting Rose, who has been out as a lesbian for some time; she also identifies as gender-fluid. Considering The CW series aimed to cast a lesbian actress for the role, it seems incredibly likely the show will not shy away from that aspect of Kane's identity. But, since it's a CW superhero show, the Batwoman solo series will also depict Kate Kane's street-fighting abilities as she battles to make Gotham City a safer place. And, given Rose's experience with action films, she has proved capable of taking on a superhero role.

The CW has a good track record of casting its TV superheroes, and fans are no doubt looking forward to seeing the latest caped crusader don a suit and join the action. Unfortunately, fans will have to wait until the Arrowverse crossover late this year before Rose suits up as Batwoman - though a first look photo will likely be revealed ahead of time. And the wait will be even longer for the Batwoman solo series to launch, with a Fall 2019 premiere date the most likely. Until then, at least fans now know who will be playing Kate Kane and they can look forward to the upcoming Batwoman TV Show.

Next: Arrowverse Theory: Bruce Wayne Has Retired After Bane Beat Batman

Source: Variety