“Holy Local Superhero!”

Prince Georgian Dons Legendary Cape

The next Batwoman that will grace the screen of the CW will be Prince Georgian Javicia Leslie. The CW has broken ground by introducing the first African American to portray the DC Comics superhero.  Leslie will make her debut as “Ryan Wilder” in January 2021 -Season 2 of the popular program, replacing Season 1 Batwoman star Ruby Rose (“Kate Kane”) who left the show because of the long hours required on set.

Former Batwoman, Ruby Rose makes way for the first African American Batwoman Javicia Leslie

According to the CW, Leslie's character, “Ryan Wilder”, is described as "likable, messy, a little goofy and untamed…she is nothing like her predecessor Kate Kane.”

Rose, who played the Season 1 Batwoman, expressed her support of Leslie, “OMG! This is amazing! I am so glad Batwoman will be played by an amazing Black woman. I want to congratulate Javicia Leslie on taking over the bat cape. You are walking into an amazing cast and crew. I can’t wait to watch season 2, you are going to be amazing!”

Leslie, born in Germany, moved to Prince George’s County with her family when she was young. She graduated from Largo High School in 2005 and went on to attend Hampton University as a Business Management major.  Her experience in acting spans a history of talent shows, plays, TV and film credits that include, The Family Business, Stuck, First Day Back, Always A Bridesmaid, God Friended Me, Roped, and next on the list- Batwoman.

The CW, which was launched in 2006 is a partnership between CBS Corporation and Warner Brothers Entertainment and is not a stranger to inclusiveness by employing members of the LGBTQ+ community in its shows.

According to Hollywood Reporter, Leslie said in a statement, “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.”

Batwoman will debut in January 2021 on Sunday nights at 8 pm on local CW stations.