Who Is The New Batwoman? Meet Javicia Leslie as Ryan Wilder!

Batwoman season two premieres TONIGHT (January 17) and there’s an all new person under the mask!

In case you forgot, Ruby Rose shockingly announced that she was stepping away from the series in May 2020, then, two months later, Javicia Leslie landed the role in July.

Javicia‘s role is a whole new character named Ryan Wilder, instead of just taking over as Kate Kane. Her casting makes history as she is the FIRST Black woman to play Batwoman!

Ryan Wilder is likable, messy, a little goofy and untamed. She’s also nothing like Kate Kane, the woman who wore the Batsuit before her. With no one in her life to keep her on track, Ryan spent years as a drug-runner, dodging the GCPD and masking her pain with bad habits. Today Ryan lives in her van with her plant.

A girl who would steal milk for an alley cat and could also kill you with her bare hands, Ryan is the most dangerous type of fighter: highly skilled and wildly undisciplined. An out lesbian. Athletic. Raw. Passionate. Fallible. And very much not your stereotypical all-American hero.

Javicia recently opened up about her role in the show being much more than just her being cast.

You may most likely recognize Javicia from her role as Ali Finer in CBS’ God Friended Me. She’s also been in the BET series The Family Business, and the movie Always a Bridesmaid. Learn more about Javicia here!

For even more on Javicia Leslie, check out her profile on Just Jared Jr.

Batwoman will air weekly at 8pm ET/PT on The CW!

Click through the gallery for 10+ photos of Javicia Leslie…