Batwoman Series Reveals First Look of Javicia Leslie’s New Suit
Photo: The CW
The CW officially released photos of the upcoming Batwoman star Javicia Leslie’s redesigned suit for the new character Ryan Wilder on October 27. After Ruby Rose’s departure from the show in season one, Leslie took the role as Gotham’s protector and the series new lead, as the first Black actress to play Batwoman in a live-action TV series or film.
Executive producer Caroline Dries expressed that the purpose of Batwoman’s new look is to embrace her unique features and celebrate Leslie’s physical traits as a Black woman. The biggest difference from Rose’s suit was the removal of the red wig, which is replaced with a new cowl showcasing Leslie’s natural, curly hair with red streaks. The new design was meant to accentuate Leslie’s athleticism with a new bat symbol on her utility belt, red gauntlets over the forearms, and shorter boots for an overall more powerful silhouette.
“I love the fact that Ryan is becoming her own Batwoman — it’s her style, her swag, and her moment,” Leslie said. “It was an honor to be able to collaborate with Caroline and Maya. 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.”
Known for her work on the God Friended Me TV show, Leslie was announced to be the new Batwoman two months after Rose’s departure. Leslie will play a new character named Ryan Wilder in season 2 and is described as “likable, messy, a little goofy, and untamed,” which is the opposite of Rose’s character Kane. The new Batwoman star expressed her gratitude for the opportunity during DC FanDome and how she will be making history by being the first black bisexual superhero to play Batwoman.
“It feels really powerful,” she said “With everything that’s going on right now, this is what we need. We need to see representation. I feel like there are so many little Javicias that don’t have voices…I feel honored to be able to be a voice for my community.”