Javicia Leslie Talks Pulling Inspiration From Eartha Kitt For Upcoming 'Batwoman' Role

Javicia Leslie is opening up about taking on the role of Batwoman for the upcoming second season!

The 33-year-old actress will be starring in the lead role of the CW series as new character Ryan Wilder.

During the DC FanDome event on Saturday (August 22), Javicia dished on her inspiration.

“I’ve always truly admired Eartha Kitt, but I admire Eartha Kitt even outside of acting. I love her for her activism and the fact that she used her art for activism. And just her mentality in general,” she said. “The things that she would say and how dynamic they were and the power that she had as a woman.”

If you didn’t know, Eartha Kitt has a pretty special connection to the Batman universe – she famously played Catwoman in the 1960′s TV show Batman!

Javicia also opened up about her character’s use of a mask.

“Batwoman doesn’t necessarily have a superpower, but I do have the ability to put a mask on and do things that I feel other citizens are too scared to do based off of it ruining their reputation or it putting their family in danger,” she shared during the panel.

In case you missed it, check out our profile on Javicia to get to the know actress!