We’re still not happy about the Berlanti Factory’s decision to not recast Kate Kane for the Batwoman TV show. But we have to admit we’re intrigued by who they just hired for Ruby Rose’s old job.
Javicia Leslie, who previously starred in CBS’s God Friended Me for two seasons, has landed the role of “Ryan Wilder” (finalized name yet to be confirmed). True to his word, Berlanti hired another LGBTQ actress, and her file photo sent to the press looks stunning. Says Leslie, “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.”
One hurdle down, many to go. Finding a good replacement is one thing…untangling the mess they’ve willingly created of the plot is another. Nearly every character on Batwoman is either related to Kate Kane, a friend of Kate Kane, or romantically interested in Kate Kane. We’re to believe “Ryan Wilder” comes in out of nowhere, discovers the Batcave, gains access to Wayne technology, and instantly fills the hole in everyone’s lives?
The character’s situation is the opposite of Kate’s. To repost the casting call description: “She’s likable, messy, a little goofy and untamed. With no one in her life to keep her on track, Ryan spent years as a drug-runner, dodging the GCPD and masking her pain with bad habits. Today Ryan lives in her van with her plant. A girl who would steal milk for an alley cat and also could kill you with her bare hands, Ryan is the most dangerous type of fighter: highly skilled and wildly undisciplined.” How Wilder believably goes from living in a van (with her plant) to schmoozing with high-society folks like Luke and Mary is a headscratcher.
Batwoman is currently scheduled to return in the winter of 2021 on The CW. Ready or not, here it comes.
