She rose to fame as Stella Carlin in the third season of Orange is the New Black, managing to hold her own in a chorus of striking performances.
Since then Ruby Rose has built up a pretty badass CV, acting in action flicks such as John Wick: Chapter 2 and xXx: Return of Xander Cage.
Now the 32-year-old Australian actor looks set to sink her teeth into what could well be the most exciting role of her career so far.
EW report Ruby has been cast as the lead in The CW’s upcoming TV series Batwoman, and it really does seem as though this could be the perfect role for her.
The script is still being written, but by the sounds of it there’s plenty to explore here, and it looks set to be something of an LGBTQ+ milestone.
Ruby’s Batwoman/Kate Kane will be the very first gay lead character in a live-action superhero series.
As a person who has spoken openly about LGBTQ+ issues and her own sexuality, Ruby – who came out as gay at the age of 12 years old – is somebody who can carry this mantle with sensitivity and personal understanding.
The script is in the process of being written, under the very capable pen of Caroline Dries. Dries has previously written for successful shows such as Melrose Place and The Vampire Diaries, as well as for Superman prequel Smallville (one of my personal noughties faves).
The official logline for the show is already looking fierce:
Armed with a passion for social justice and a flair for speaking her mind, Kate Kane soars onto the streets of Gotham as Batwoman, an out lesbian and highly trained street fighter primed to snuff out the failing city’s criminal resurgence. But don’t call her a hero yet.
In a city desperate for a savior, Kate must overcome her own demons before embracing the call to be Gotham’s symbol of hope. Based on the characters from DC.
Dries will also be on board as an executive producer alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, and Geoff Johns.
Batwoman was first introduced in DC Comics back in 1956, where she was a romantic interest for Batman/Bruce Wayne.
However, she has been through quite a transformation in the years since. In 2006, the character of Batwoman/Kate Kane was re-established as a lesbian, breaking boundaries as DC’s first-ever superhero title character to identify as a lesbian.
Ruby’s incarnation of Batwoman will debut at The CW’s annual DC Arrowverse crossover event this coming December, with the show itself expected in 2019.
Comic book fans are already excited by this high profile casting choice, with many praising the focus on improving LGBTQ+ representation in the DC universe.
One person tweeted:
I’m looking to seeing Ruby Rose (@RubyRose) as #Batwoman. It will be great to see some diversity in the comic book universe. Let’s face it, diversity is reality. Anyone and everyone can be a hero!
Another approved:
Perfect casting if you ask me. I became a big fan of the character during the recent run of detective comics. Definitely need to read more about the character but hyped otherwise.
Do you think The CW have made a good casting choice?
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Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.