The CW has shared the first photos of actress Javicia Leslie rocking her redesigned Batwoman costume. Leslie will begin wearing the costume in episode three of the show's second season.
Leslie stepped in to the leading role of Ryan Wilder after actress Ruby Rose opted out of the show's second season. Rose suffered an on-set accident in 2019 that required back surgery.
"Being the lead of a superhero show is tough. Being the lead in anything is tough," Rose said.
"But I think, in that particular instance, it was a lot more difficult because I was still recovering from my surgery. I had my surgery and then 10 days later I went to work, which maybe wasn't the best idea. Most people take about a month or three off before they return to work, so it was definitely made more difficult by that."
With Rose's sudden departure, the opportunity was left open for Leslie. By taking on the challenge, Leslie will become the first Black woman to play the role of Batwoman in a live-action television series or film.
“I love the fact that Ryan is becoming her own Batwoman — it’s her style, her swag, and her moment,” Leslie said.
“I felt it was important that viewers could tell by the silhouette that Batwoman was a Black girl. With the form-fitting suit and beautiful Afro, we definitely nailed it!”
The new Batwoman suit was conceptualized by costumed designer Maya Mani. Mani has worked in the entertainment industry for more than 30 years while contributing to shows like Arrow, The Flash and DC's Legends of Tomorrow. Alongside Mani, Janice Workman crafted Leslie's wig and Cory Roberts put together Leslie's makeup.
Batwoman Executive Producer Caroline Dries believes that the suit properly contextualizes Leslie's character, Ryan Wilder, and the city of Gotham.
“As Ryan embraces everything that makes her special, she adjusts the suit to fit her physically and figuratively," Dries said.
“This meant creating a new body design and new cowl that was undeniably a statement that screamed ‘powerful.'”
The show is set to return for a second season in January 2021.
Photo: Getty Images