Javicia Leslie cast as 1st Black 'Batwoman' TV show lead

Javicia Leslie, formerly of the CBS show "God Friended Me," will take over the title role in the CW series "Batwoman" when it returns for season two, replacing Ruby Rose, who left after the show's first season.

Leslie will become the first Black actress to play Batwoman in a live-action TV or film production.

"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," said Leslie in statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter.

Leslie's character, Ryan Wilder, is described by the network as "likable, messy, a little goofy and untamed. She’s also nothing like Kate Kane, the woman who wore the Batsuit before her. 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."

The actress shared the casting announcement in an Instagram post, writing, "For all of the little black girls dreaming to be a superhero one day... it’s possible!"

Editor’s Picks

John Legend on nationwide protests: 'People had every right to be outraged'

Zendaya, Awkwafina and more stars invited to become Academy members

Thandie Newton talks enduring sexual abuse, racism in Hollywood

Rose, who broke ground by playing television's first on-screen lesbian superhero, shocked people back in May with her announcement that she was leaving the series after just one season.

Soon after the announcement on Wednesday, Rose took to Instagram to praise the casting, writing in part, "This is amazing!! I'm so glad Batwoman will be played by an amazing Black woman."

"I want to congratulate Javicia Leslie on taking over the bat cape," she added. "You are walking into an amazing cast and crew. I can’t wait to watch season 2 you are going to be amazing!!"

"Batwoman" is scheduled to return in early 2021.