Um…. well… This is Bat Sh*t crazy! Deadline is reporting that Ruby Rose, the star of the CW’s drama series Batwoman, is leaving the Warner Bros. TV/Berlanti Prods. drama after one season. The series, which shoots exteriors in Chicago, has been renewed for a second season, will continue with the title role getting recast.
“I have made the very difficult decision to not return to Batwoman next season,” Rose said in a statement “This was not a decision I made lightly as I have the utmost respect for the cast, crew and everyone involved with the show in both Vancouver and in Los Angeles.”
The Orange is the New Black alumna, made headlines when she was cast as Batwoman, an openly gay character, in the summer of 2018. At first she was cast for the annual Arrowverse crossover and then the series. She faced backlash from fanboys and girls and while her performance was criticized at first, she did seem to grow into the role as the season progressed.
She acknowledged the series’ creative team as well as the heads of the CW, Mark Pedowitz, and Warner Bros.’ TV operation, Peter Roth.
“I am beyond appreciative to Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Caroline Dries for not only giving me this incredible opportunity, but for welcoming me into the DC universe they have so beautifully created,” she said. “Thank you Peter Roth and Mark Pedowitz and the teams at Warner Bros. and The CW who put so much into the show and always believed in me. Thank you to everyone who made season one a success – I am truly grateful.”
Deadline reports that neither Rose, nor the Batwoman producers would speak to the reasons for the actress’ exit so early into the series’ life. There was a stun injury during filming that left Rose facing paralysis and needing emergency surgery.
In a joint statement, Berlanti Prods. and WBTV reaffirmed their commitment to Batwoman and to casting another LGBTQ actress in the groundbreaking role.
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“Warner Bros. Television, The CW and Berlanti Productions thank Ruby for her contributions to the success of our first season and wish her all the best,” the two companies said. “The studio and network are firmly committed to Batwoman’s second season and long-term future, and we — along with the show’s talented creative team — look forward to sharing its new direction, including the casting of a new lead actress and member of the LGBTQ community, in the coming months.”
Even with production shut down due to COVID-19, Berlanti and company will have to recast the role fairly fast. May The Geek be the first to throw out a name — Ashley Platz. If you remember, she created a Twitter-storm with fans demanding her to be cast as Kate Kane originally. The Geek supports that move. 100%.
UPDATED: A new report from TV Line released today says the decision was mutual at best.
According to the report, Rose has been unhappy for quite some time, and never really got used to the long hours required of her to lead a major TV series. It’s also said that she did not really enjoy being away in Vancouver. where the show if primarily filmed.
“It wasn’t 100-percent her decision,” reveals the site’s source. “It was a breakup. She wasn’t happy working on the show, and did that make her fun to work with? No. So everyone decided it would be in the best interests of the show, and for all concerned, if they parted ways. It just wasn’t a good fit.”
Stay tuned. Same Batwoman Channel… Same Batwoman time…
The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.
SOURCE: Deadline
