New Batwoman actress Javicia Leslie admits she hasn't spoken to Ruby Rose since taking over as the show's lead. Rose stepped into the role of the Arrowverse's Kate Kane for the first time in the crossover event Elseworlds. She then jumped into her own solo series in 2019, and when season 1 of Batwoman ended with an explosive cliffhanger, it looked like Rose would be sticking around for a while. However, Rose shocked fans everywhere when she announced her exit from Batwoman ahead of season 2. At the time, it was reported Rose struggled with the demands needed of a television star, and it was also suggested the move wasn't entirely her own decision.
Fans assumed the Batwoman producers would simply cast someone new to play Kate, but then they were served with yet another shocker: Batwoman's new lead will be an entirely different character. Javicia Leslie (God Friended Me) was cast in July, and with her casting announcement came the news she'll be playing Ryan Wilder. Described as a street-level hero, Ryan has been set up as Kate's opposite in nearly every way. Needless to say, Batwoman will be quite different when season 2 begins next week.
Leslie sat down with Variety ahead of her Batwoman debut and discussed things such as Ryan's development and the stunts she has to perform. At one point, Leslie was asked if she had talked with Rose to get a sense of how to best prepare for the show. Leslie's answer was quick and to the point: "No, I didn’t talk with her."
By the sounds of it, Rose's exit was rather abrupt and happened well before production began on Batwoman season 2. That could be why the two actresses never had the chance to speak; Rose wiped her hands of Batwoman before Leslie was even cast. However, it could also be as simple as Leslie didn't feel the need to reach out. She'll be playing a different character, so aside from discussing the demands of being a lead in the Arrowverse, there might not be much Rose could have shared.
It doesn't look like there is any animosity between the two, however. When Leslie was first cast, Rose was quick to share her support and enthusiasm for the actress. Rose left Batwoman over her own personal life and likely holds no ill-will towards the rest of the series. Though it's a shame Leslie and Rose weren't able to compare notes with each other, perhaps they will get the opportunity to talk it over in the future. For now, Leslie is likely preparing for her big debut, and that must be enough to deal with for the time being.
Batwoman season 2 premieres on the CW on Sunday, January 17.
Source: Variety