Warner Bros. Television, The CW and Berlanti Productions has announced that Javicia Leslie has been cast as the new Batwoman. Javicia will make her debut in the iconic cape and cowl when Batwoman returns to The CW for its second season in January 2021. With her casting, Javicia becomes the first Black actress to portray Batwoman in a live-action television or film production.
Javicia Leslie said: “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.”
With respect to the character in the series, Ryan Wilder is about to become Batwoman. 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. Ryan lives in her van with her plant. A girl who would steal milk for an alley cat and could also kill you with her bare hands, Ryan is the most dangerous type of fighter: highly skilled and wildly undisciplined. And very much not your stereotypical all-American hero.
Prior to joining Batwoman, Javicia starred for two seasons on the CBS/Warner Bros. Television drama series “God Friended Me” and the BET drama “The Family Business,” as well as the feature film “Always a Bridesmaid.”
Batwoman airs in India exclusively on Colors Infinity with season 2 releasing in January 2021.
