'Batwoman': 5 actors who could replace Ruby Rose on Season 2 of the series
After Ruby Rose's sudden departure from 'Batwoman,' the producers of the show are left with the unenviable task of having to cast a new Kate Kane for the series and they'll need to do it as soon as possible for the show to release in January 2021. The CW, Warner Bros. TV and Berlanti Productions have said in a joint statement that they are committed to "the casting of a new lead actress and member of the LGBTQ community," so with that in mind, we take a look at the top 5 actresses who could take up the mantle of the Bat.
Cara Delevingne
Cara Delevingne is no stranger to science fiction, whether it be on television or film. The actor has played the Enchantress on 'Suicide Squad,' a tough-as-nails fairy on 'Carnival Row,' and countless other performances in worlds weird and wonderful. Delevingne would bring just the right level of smoldering eccentricity to make Batwoman's presence pop on screen, even with the cowl and wig over her face. What's more, her performance would elevate scenes with Rachel Skarsten's Alice to a whole new level.
Evan Rachel Wood
Evan Rachel Wood, most notable for her lead role on 'Westworld' as killer robot revolutionary Dolores Abernathy, is already a fan favorite to play the role. The latest season of 'Westworld' went especially far in establishing just how great an action star she is. Her version of Batwoman would be a lot more intimidating, and if it's one thing that Gotham's criminals need, it's an intimidating face scowling at them from beneath the cowl. She's already played a vampire, on 'True Blood' - from vampire to Bat is just a natural next step.
Ashley Platz
A writer, actor, and vocal feminist, Ashley Platz would fit right in to the CW aesthetic of young, attractive actors. She is set to star on the next season of 'Glow,' making her quite comfortable with an action role. What's more, Platz has reportedly already auditioned for the role - making this a perfect opportunity for her second chance at playing Kate Kane.
Tessa Thompson
On most shows, replacing the lead either goes without mentioning or with some tongue-in-cheek jokes that are quickly meant to be forgotten. In the Arrowverse, however, there is are ample opportunities to explain why Batwoman suddenly looks so different, from changes in the timeline to multiversal crossover, meaning that there's no reason that Batwoman needs to be Caucasian. Tessa Thompson has already made quite an impression as a superhero as Marvel's Valkyrie and most certainly matches Ruby Rose for sheer badassery.
Kat Graham
Continuing along that vein, the CW might cast someone much closer to home, with 'The Vampire Diaries' star Kat Graham. While Kat may not be the best fit for Kate Kane, the CW might not choose to bring Kate Kane back at all, out of respect for Ruby Rose. If that's the case, then there's no better time to introduce the world to Lucius Fox's daughter, Tiffany Fox. Tiffany has already worn the cowl in a popular future vision of Gotham. Although she wore it as Batgirl, there's no reason Kat Graham can't bring new life to the character, as a new Batwoman. The role would make Batwoman's relationship with Luke Fox (Camrus Johnson) that much more interesting, putting Gotham squarely in the hands of the Fox siblings.
Honorable mention: Rachel Skarsten
Though she's not a visible member of the LGBTQ+ community, Rachel Skarsten is one of the best parts of the 'Batwoman' series. She is meant to be Kate Kane's twin sister, meaning that it makes perfect sense for Alice and Kate Kane to look alike. She's already played a less evil version of herself, as her multiversal doppelganger was the focus of the first post-Crisis episodes, and she would make a great fit for Batwoman, as well.
Season 2 of 'Batwoman' releases in January 2021, on The CW.