First look at Ruby Rose as lesbian superhero Batwoman
Ruby Rose (Jamie McCarthy/Getty)
The first photo has been released showing Ruby Rose in her full Batwoman costume.
The gender-fluid Orange is the New Black star is set to make her debut as lesbian superhero Batwoman in The CW superhero universe in December.
A live-action Batwoman TV show is in the works, but the character will first make her first on-screen appearance in a crossover with existing superhero shows, The Flash, Arrow and Supergirl.
Ruby Rose as Batwoman
The crossover event, which brings together characters from across all the superhero shows for three episodes, started filming this week in Vancouver.
To celebrate, The CW released the first photo of Rose in full costume as the superhero.
The costume is a modern spin on Batwoman’s iconic comic book look, with Rose donning a full-body supersuit and a red wig, leaving only the bottom half of her face visible.
The crossover event is set to air from December 9 to 11, while the Batwoman TV show is expected to make its debut in late 2019 if it is greenlit to series.
Actress Ruby Rose (Kevin Winter/Getty)
The plans were announced in August. Ruby Rose’s casting was met with an overwhelmingly warm reaction from queer fans, but not everyone was on board.
Many on social media complained about the choice, listing other actors they would have liked to see in the part. The star appeared visibly upset about the negative responses, hitting back at critics repeatedly.
She later deleted her Twitter account entirely, after posting one final response to critics.
Rose wrote: “I wish we would all support each other and our journeys.
“When women and when minorities join forces we are unstoppable.. when we tear each other down it’s much more hurtful than from any group. But hey I love a challenge x”
(Photo by DC Comics)
She added: “I just wish women and the LGBT community supported each other more. (…) My wish was we were all a little kinder and more supportive of each other.
“Sending everyone my love and gratitude, it’s been a rollercoaster of a year, this month especially.
“I am looking forward to getting more than 4 hours of sleep and to break from Twitter to focus all my energy on my next 2 projects.
“If you need me, I’ll be on my Bat Phone.”
Ruby Rose (Getty)
In a previous statement she said: “The Bat is out of the bag and I am beyond thrilled and honoured. I’m also an emotional wreck because this is a childhood dream.
“This is something I would have died to have seen on TV when I was a young member of the LGBT community who never felt represented on TV and felt alone and different.
“Thank you everyone. Thank you god.”
The version of Batwoman headed to TV screens is set to remain true to her comics portrayal, in which Batwoman has been an out lesbian since 2006.
Prolific producer Greg Berlanti – who has overseen numerous CW shows, as well as hit film Love, Simon – will executive produce the new show.
The CW superhero universe is growing significantly, with trans actress Nicole Maines set to play TV’s first transgender superhero on CW show Supergirl.
Animated series The Ray also featured a gay lead.
The diversity within the CW universe stands in stark contrast with the total lack of LGBT characters in blockbuster superhero films.
