UPDATED 5/20, 2:20 p.m. ET: According to Variety, Ruby Rose exited Batwoman because she didn't love the long hours on set, which caused internal friction.
"It was thus decided by her and the network and studio, Warner Bros. Television, that they would part ways," Variety writes, adding that Rose's reps declined to comment.
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Batwoman has lost its lead star.
On Tuesday, Ruby Rose announced she was leaving the CW drama series and would not appear in season 2. Though Rose didn't provide explanation for her departure, sources told Variety Rose's decision had nothing to do with injuries she sustained last year while performing stunts.
"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," Rose said in a statement. "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. 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."
Rose, who identifies as gender-fluid, was cast as the titular character/Kate Kane in 2018 for the Arrowverse crossover. Rose then signed on for the stand-alone Batwoman series shortly after, which saw her portray the first LGBTQ superhero to lead a live-action TV show. The CW, Warner Bros., and Berlanti Productions thanked Rose for her time on the show and confirmed they would move forward with the series with a new star.
"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," the studios and network said in a joint statement.
Season 2 of Batwoman was renewed for a second season earlier this year and was set to premiere in January 2021; however, it's very likely the series would've been delayed, as film and TV productions have stalled amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Stay tuned as more information about Batwoman season 2 becomes available.
