Javicia Leslie tapped to play lead role in ‘Batwoman’

Javicia Leslie is stepping into the lead role of The CW series “Batwoman,” which begins its second season in January.

Leslie, 33, who previously starred in “God Friended Me” for two seasons on CBS, will replace Ruby Rose, who abruptly left the program after the series’ first season, Variety reported. She will play the role of Ryan Wilder and becomes the first Black actress to play Batwoman in either television or film, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Leslie also starred in the BET series “The Family Business” and the film “Always a Bridesmaid.”

Ryan will play a lesbian on the series and is described as a “likable, messy, a little goofy and untamed,” Variety reported. She is also described as a former drug runner who now lives in a van.

“Batwoman” made history in 2019-20 as the first scripted live-action TV series to feature a lesbian superhero, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“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.

Rose praised the choice of Leslie in the lead role, writing on Instagram that, This is amazing!! I’m so glad Batwoman will be played by an amazing Black woman.”


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