Ruby Rose is Batwoman no more, that’s what I read when I read the announcement by Ruby herself that she calls it quits after playing Batwoman for one season.
I was taken by surprise by her decision and I am not sure I fully understand it. Let me say this first and upfront: I liked the show. I think the character does justice to the one in the comicbooks but after a while the season arc grew stale and the umpth time that the main villain / sister Alice broke out or had another failed attempt at another big heist or whatever, it just became too formulaic for me.
I am behind on the episodes, which I will still watch but it will leave a bitter taste in my mouth knowing what I know now.
Ruby Rose is Batwoman no more: the statement
I was ofcourse very interested to read why Ruby Rose is Batwoman no more. She released a statement explaining the following:
“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.
“I am beyond appreciative to [exec producers] 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 added. “Thank you [WB chief] Peter Roth and [CW president] 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.”
It looks like this was completely her decision. She is grateful for the team and the fans but after thinking things over, she just called it. And I appreciate it as a comicbook fan that she went out of her way to make this amazing statement. I already had much respect for Ruby Rose since I watched her in Orange is the new Black and reading up on her struggles when she came out. But this just made me appreciate her more.
Then Warner Brothers and Berlanti Prods. released a statement:
“We 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.”
So the show will continue and Batwoman will be recast. It makes me wonder who will take over the mantle of Batwoman but more about that later. I do hope that the writers of Batwoman will take example of the classic Batman from the Nolanverse where Batman is not exactly a person but more like an icon. Anyone can take up the mantle of Batman. If not then I hope that they pick a really good actress because she has big shoes to fill.
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The true story behind Ruby Rose departure
Then I read the true story behind Ruby Rose departure. The reason why Ruby Rose is Batwoman no more. And I was a bit shocked to read as to why she left. It wasn’t a one sided break up but a mutual one. TVLine broke the news and had close sources telling us what happened behind the scenes.
“It wasn’t 100-percent her decision,” concedes a source close to the show. “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.”
According to an insider, Rose — coming off the features John Wick: Chapter 2 and The Meg — was distressed by the long hours demanded of a lead TV role and did not acclimate well to life in Vancouver (where the show shoots). Batwoman marked the actress’ first full-time series gig, following her debut as the Scarlet Knight in the Arrowverse’s December 2018 “Elseworlds” crossover and a short arc on Orange Is the New Black.
As per TVLine’s interview
This makes me think that she has wanted out for a long time. But I think I can understand why. Long hours, a lot of physical stunts. Ruby Rose recently had surgery on two of her discs in her spine and her spinal cord was almost severed during a stunt. She is now in chronical pain because of that. If that’s her reason and because Vancouver just isn’t her city then I fully understand that and respect her wishes to don the mantle to someone else.
Batwoman recast, who to choose?
Now comes the difficult part. Ruby Rose did an excellent job as Batwoman. While the show was finding its’ footing in terms of tone and direction to take, she really was a believable Batwoman.
I take a look at the conditions for the recast and they want a LGBTQ icon. There aren’t many names I can come up with to be honest. I just don’t because I don’t really care about the actor’s sexuality, it’s not the first thing that comes to mind when you start watching the show. So I am kind of hoping that you guys can come up with names. Help me out here guys, what LGBTQ icon is big enough to take up the mantle of Kate Kane?
