Queer crusader: Everything we know about The CW’s ‘Batwoman’
It’s been a while since Variety shared the news that The CW is developing a Batwoman series due to debut in fall 2019. You might be inclined to roll your eyes and grumble “not another goddamn superhero drama”, but you should have a little more faith in the Arrowverse (i.e., the shared DC universe of the small screen) that The CW has been building for the past few years.
Whether you’re a fan of the shows or not, there’s no denying the Arrowverse features some invigorating takes on the classic superhero canon, along with some boundary-pushing characterization.
The upcoming Batwoman not only sounds like a fine addition to the Arrowverse, but it also possesses a lot of potential to be a great show in and of itself. Any DC fans will be well aware that Kate Kane’s sexuality is a crucial part of her backstory. The fact that The CW is looking to embrace this story proves this is more than a cash-in on the superhero craze.
The trailer dropped last week to plenty of toxic internet hate: 3.8 million views; 64,000 likes to 241,000 dislikes – but we’re not going to let that dampen our enthusiasm.
Here’s everything making us hyped about The CW’s Batwoman so far.
Ruby Rose is Batwoman
None other than Ruby Rose has been chosen to play the titular character – a fine choice, we’re sure you’ll agree. The genderfluid actor has garnered a significant LGBTQI following from her breakout turn in Orange Is the New Black and has the acting and fanbase credentials necessary to lead the significant comic book adaptation.
Discussing the decision to cast her in the role on Instagram, Rose wrote she was “thrilled and honored” and “an emotional wreck” over the news. “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.”
Along with the rest of the world, we have the utmost faith in Rose’s ability in the role and believe The CW made a perfect choice in the actor and in the decision to make the show, period.
Batwoman will be one of the first openly gay female superheroes on TV
If you hold the heading above close to your ear like a conch shell, you can hear the shrieking of a thousand dudebros complaining about SJWs and feminazis – so we highly recommend against such a practice.
As described by Variety, the show follows Kate Kane, a young woman “armed with a passion for social justice and a flair for speaking her mind” – which in fairness does sound like someone deliberately trolling toxic fandoms. Batwoman’s sexuality isn’t just an exercise in virtue signaling to keep the diversity back slaps coming – it’s also a crucial part of her identity and backstory. In the comics, Kate is shown to have a military background (which is why she’s so kickass).
Kate is subsequently forced to quit after being accused of having a lesbian relationship with her roomie at the United States Military Academy, which she doesn’t deny because she’s an absolute boss. It’s a defining moment that undoubtedly shapes who she is as a woman and a hero.
Batwoman has a complicated family history in the comics
It’s still uncertain how closely the show will stick to the comics, but considering the synopsis touches upon how “Kate must overcome her own demons before embracing the call to be Gotham’s symbol of hope”, it sounds like it may be sticking tight to Batwoman canon.
Kate’s origin story is similar to Bruce Wayne’s: the character witnessed the murder of her mother and sister, then grew up to become a wealthy socialite after her father remarried a billionaire weapons heiress.
There’s plenty of tortured angst in the residue of that story as Kate struggles with the ramifications of it. Worst still, Kate discovers her sister may not even be dead, bringing some serious doubt and complications to her already complicated life.
A Smallville and The Vampire Diaries alum is serving as executive producer & writer
Having previously worked as a writer on the reboot of Melrose Place & Smallville and as an executive producer of teen-vamp fest The Vampire Diaries, Caroline Dries has the credentials necessary to lead a creative team in developing this comic book adaptation. Her experience on these shows should help to provide the perfect balance of delicious soapy drama, twist-heavy narrative, and genre goodness the Arrowverse demands.
Greg Berlanti’s ever-expanding empire bodes well for the show
Sarah Schechter and Berlanti are both executive producers on the show via Berlanti productions, which is presently dominating the network. Currently, Berlanti has seven TV shows on The CW, including all four of the DC shows as well as Black Lightning, Riverdale, and upcoming high school drama All American.
Beyond The CW, Berlanti is also a producer on a further seven TV shows, including the Lifetime/Netflix stalker show You and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina on Netflix. To add Batwoman to his CW roster? It’s a no-brainer, and we can’t wait to check it out this fall.
