Last Updated: August 24, 2020
Here’s what to expect from Batwoman season 2, including its release date and story details. Kate Kane became the latest DC heroine to get her own Arrowverse show, as Ruby Rose brought Bruce Wayne’s cousin – and one of the biggest Bat-family characters – to life on The CW. What was originally set to be a 22-episode season for the DC series concluded with episode 20, “O, Mouse!” because of the coronavirus pandemic; joining The Flash and Supergirl, Batwoman had several episodes left to film to complete its season 1 arc before production was shut down.
As several affected TV shows and films are trying to figure out how to resume productions in safe manners, the Arrowverse is facing the same conundrum. Since Batwoman season 1 ends with several plot threads unresolved, the second season will have to address a lot while also easing into the next storylines, as well as adjusting to life with a new lead character.
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Some details have emerged for Batwoman’s sophomore season to get fans excited. From release date information to plot details, as well as how Batwoman factors into the annual crossover, here’s everything that’s known about Batwoman season 2.
Batwoman Season 2: Ruby Rose Isn’t Returning
On May 19, 2020, Batwoman star Ruby Rose shocked fans when she announced her departure from the series. Instead of recasting her role, Batwoman season 2 will introduce a brand new character to take up the Batwoman mantle. The character is tentatively being called Ryan Wilder, but it’s unclear if that’s simply a cover for it being another known DC Comics hero. She’s described as an ex-criminal, and very much not the typical superhero.
Batwoman Season 2: Javicia Leslie Is The New Lead
In July 2020, less than two months following Ruby Rose’s departure announcement, Javicia Leslie was officially tapped to play replacement lead character Ryan Wilder. In doing so, she’ll become the first Black woman to play Batwoman, and like Kate, Ryan is also an out lesbian. Leslie herself is openly bisexual, and keeping a member of the LGBTQ+ community in the Batwoman role was something many were vocal about.
Batwoman Season 2 Release Date
Traditionally, all the Arrowverse shows, which are filmed in Vancouver, Canada, start shooting their new seasons during late June/early July, and San Diego Comic-Con is where they drop the first piece of footage for the upcoming seasons. But with Comic-Con canceled and filming still not having received a set start date, things will be different for next seasons of the Arrowverse shows, including Batwoman. The CW made the decision to push all of their returning and new shows till 2021, with some premiering in January while others are eyed for a later mid-season arrival. Batwoman was one of the four Arrowverse shows to get set for January 2021, assuming that production actually does begin sometime within the fall.
Batwoman Season 2 Story Details
Despite not having been able to finish its first year, some plots have been revealed for the upcoming season. Following the announcement of bringing the show back in January 2021, The CW released a synopsis for Batwoman season 2 that teased a lot about Kate’s new challenges. Not only would she be dealing with the Crows in a bigger capacity but also “the recently escaped rogues’ gallery of villains” (with Hush possibly being one of them), while Alice (Rachel Skarsten) would be battling an opponent from her past. The synopsis also hints at a large game-changer that alters Gotham City as well as Batwoman’s team forever. At least that was the plan, as it’s unknown how Kate Kane’s exit will effect these stories.
Season 1 of Batwoman foreshadowed a secret mastermind who will likely play a large role in season 2; showrunner Caroline Dries has confirmed that Safiyah Sohail will serve as the big bad for the second season. She made her DC debut in Batwoman Rebirth #1 in 2017, where she was a former love interest for Kate before becoming an antagonist for the Bat-heroine. Again though, Kate’s departure may throw a wrench into this plot. With new threats coming in Batwoman season 2, there might also be the rise of a few new heroes. Camrus Johnson, who plays Luke Fox, has spoken about the possibility of becoming his superhero alter ego Batwing from the comics, which could theoretically occur next season. While the crossover plans have been altered due to the pandemic, Batwoman season 2 is one important half of the annual event.
The CW president Mark Pedowitz confirmed that the yearly crossover will take place between Batwoman and the new Arrowverse spinoff Superman & Lois, which will give the formerly Kate Kane-led series a bigger role. While Kate made her debut in the Elseworlds crossover, and was one of the 7 Paragons to save the Multiverse in Crisis on Infinite Earths, this upcoming 2-parter will likely allow Batwoman to play an even bigger part this time around. While the story plot is still being worked on, Pedowitz confirmed that a lot of characters from the other shows will be showing up, to keep the crossover more intimate this time. Once Warner Bros. TV and The CW begin finding safe and doable solutions, more information about Batwoman season 2 will emerge.
