Batwoman Series Seeks Lesbian Actress to Play CW’s LGBT Hero
The Batwoman series now in development for The CW will not only feature TV’s first gay lead superhero character, but an out lesbian actress will ideally fill the title role.
Sources tell TVLine that the would-be Arrowverse addition is seeking an out lesbian actress, open ethnicity, to play age 25 to 29. (TVLine has reached out to The CW and Warner Bros. for comment.) Batwoman aka Kate Kane will first be introduced in this fall’s four-way crossover event between Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl and Legends of Tomorrow, before potentially fronting her own series.
The offshoot — which at this point has a script development deal — is set up at Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. The Vampire Diaries‘ Caroline Dries, an out lesbian, will pen the script.
A wealthy socialite who calls Gotham home, Batwoman’s Kate Kane is described as “armed with a passion for social justice and a flair for speaking her mind,” while physically she is a “highly trained street fighter primed to snuff out the failing city’s criminal resurgence.”
“But don’t call her a hero yet,” the potential series’ logline adds. “In a city desperate for a savior, Kate must overcome her own demons before embracing the call to be Gotham’s symbol of hope.”
Other LGBT characters within the Arrowverse include Arrow‘s gay Curtis Holt, Legends‘ bisexual Sara Lance, Legends‘ bisexual Constantine, Supergirl lesbian Alex Danvers — who was briefly engaged to Detective Maggie Sawyer, one of Kate Kane’s most noteworthy love interests in comic book lore — The Flash‘s Captain Singh and and “Crisis on Earth-X” crossover visitor Ray Terrill (who is currently engaged to his Earth’s Leo Snart).
Additionally, Supergirl for Season 4 is casting a transgender actress to play investigative reporter Nia Nal. And though Black Lightning is not an official part of the Arrowverse, Anissa Pierce aka Thunder is a lesbian.
With these new casting details in play, which out lesbian actress do you pick to play Batwoman/Kate Kane? Is the role Orange Is the New Black alum Ruby Rose’s to lose?
Maybe the show will use a newcomer. All of the openly lesbian actresses I can think of are over 30 (except Hayley Kiyoko, but she’s more of a singer these days).
Rosie O’Donnell gets my vote
Rosie it too old.
Which is probably why the casting call says “…can play 26-29…”
Brianna Hildebrand from “Deadpool” is a lesbian
Brianna Hildebrand from “Deadpool” is a lesbian.
Bella Thorne, though bi sexual?
I want to audition, but I don’t know where to look. I’m openly lesbian and playing Kate Kane would be my dream.
You can say lesbian for Maggie Sawyer too, it’s okay she is one.
Do we know if she’ll be in Supergirl’s Earth or The Flash/Arrow’s? I think they’ve both name-checked Batman before, so its possible for either
Just out of curiosity.
The Flash and Arrow have only mentioned Bruce Wayne (Oliver said his name outright in the first episode last season). Supergirl, while not using the name Batman(none of them have done that) had Kara say in a second season episode that Clark had worked with a man with a lot of gadgets and personal demons. Winn also mentioned Superman having a friend with a mask and indicated the shape of it.
didn’t james mention batman once?
Yeah. When James was contemplating his role as Guardian he didn’t want to be feared like Clark’s friend. Winn said they were frienimes and making Bat ears over his head.
Gotham City has been mentioned on “Supergirl” before so I believe Batwoman aka Kate Kane will be from Earth 38, Kara and Alex’s home where Batman aka Bruce Wayne is dead and she’s it’s hero. Possibly with Oracle aka Barbara Gordon by her side.
Couple of points.
1- The character would have to be lesbian or they would have to use the original version of Batwoman – Kathy Kane.
2- I am good with either ‘earth’. I’d like to see the character interact with any of them. But there could always be a Batwoman on each earth. Same for Black Lightning.
3- I am always interested when folks say only lesbian actresses should play this type of role. Does that mean they shouldn’t play straight roles? Why stereotype? I don’t get it.
I think it’s more about giving them an opportunity to tell their stories. You don’t see many lesbian actors cast in straight roles. Only occasionally. Also the straight narrative is told a lot, but it’s extremely rare for a mainstream show to have a lesbian lead and so they are trying to let someone from that community help craft the portrayal rather than someone without that experience.
CW is not mainstream. They average like 1 million viewers a night.
All that matters is that the character is lesbian. That’s representation enough. Can a closeted lesbian play straight roles?Obviously. Easily. And vice versa. It’s called acting.
However activists want to say there’s something unique about being LGBT and only they can play the role. There’s no difference, we just to shag peole of same sex.
Actors were scared of coming out in case they were typecast now are they only going to play lesbian roles now they’re out?
However if there’s an out lesbian not getting work because she is out, due to homophobic industry then that’s different.
It is just more tribalism. If only gay actors can play gay roles, it reduces competition for roles. Though, I’m sure it plays into the fantasy of the role.
What does need to emphasized is that although lesbians will be disappointed if the character is not played by an out lesbian actress, we are not going to throw a hissy fit and scream the house down if the chosen actress turns out to be straight. We’ll leaves the over-the-top screaming and bullying to the Trans community referencing the drama over Rub & Tug. You’ll find lesbians to be more reasonable and dignified.
That is going to be dicey. It isn’t something employers are supposed to ask, and a lot of actresses would be willing to lie for such a plum role (which I have no problem with).
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I understand, and agree with, the sentiment and rationale behind this announcement. Practically, it is hard to bring it about. Any actress would be wise to at least claim to be bisexual, and gradually move in a hetero direction once production starts. I hope that the LGTB community doesn’t take my post the wrong way. If it is OK to hire only a lesbian here, then it would be OK to only hire a heterosexual elsewhere.
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I strongly suspect that the creatives behind this already have in mind an out lesbian whom they know personally, for this role. Otherwise, they are opening themselves up to tremendous legal liability.
*LGTBQ
Q? isn’t that covered by L+G ?
Q means either someone who identifies as queer or someone questioning their sexual identity.
“If it is OK to hire only a lesbian here, then it would be OK to only hire a heterosexual elsewhere.”
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That kind of transitive property logic doesn’t exactly fall suit. I understand what you’re saying, but the reason behind this is more to do with a long-running pattern of casting straight actors in LGBT roles instead of people from that community, further sidelining us. I don’t think that all LGBT roles need to be played by LGBT actors, but if they decide in casting to do so, then it is to address the problem—not set the new normal. The transitive property logic doesn’t apply as an excuse to then discriminate against casting LGBT actors from any role. It’s just a push to guarantee representation in this one role; that’s all.
The Arrowverse already has plenty of gay characters played by straight actors. The exception being Russell Tovey as Ray Terrill/The Ray. They have also had gay actors playing straight.
Wentworth Miller (Captain Cold) is also gay, FYI.
it`s not about logic it`s about legality. I honestly have no idea about the US, but in Canada someone`s sexuality cannot be a criterion used for the hiring process. An employer cannot ask for that information during the hiring process. That`s what Patrick is getting at.
I have the same question and it’s is about the legal aspect. It is illegal to discriminate based on sexuality.
But not necessarily illegal in the US if you can prove a protected characteristic is a requirement for the job.
“…if you can prove a protected characteristic is a requirement for the job.”
That’s gonna be tough when the job is basically people who pretend to be other people…
So far every gay character in the Arrowverse is played by a straight actor – Alex Danvers, Maggie Sawyer, Curtis Holt/Mr. Terrific, Anissa Pierce/Thunder, Ava Sharpe. Even their bi characters they’ve had have been played by straight actors – Sara Lance and Grace Choy. While they’ve had gay actors play straight – John Barrowman, Colton Haynes, Maisie Richardson-Sellars, Victor Garber, Robert Gant. Even Keiynan Lonsdale’s Wally West is straight, while he is bi. Only Russell Tovey has played a gay character in any of the shows, and his character. Ray Terrill/The Ray, isn’t a regular on any of the shows, just in animation.
For sake of argument, please note you listed five gay characters played by straight actors, and six straight characters played by gay actors (and didn’t even address Wentworth Miller!). And shouldn’t that, ultimately, be the point: the best actor for the role, not the actor’s sexuality? After all, gay actor Matt Bomer was very convincing as the straight Neal Caffrey on White Collar!
Exactly. The best actor for the role should get the role, not typecast people where only gay people can play gay people and only straight should play straight. It’s dumb. It’s called acting! Neil Patrick Harris convincingly played well-known straight characters on television. If you can act, that’s all that should matter.
forking finaly its about damn time they cast gay actors in gay rolls im so sick of seing straight ppl look in pain then they half side kiss its frigging offensive, excited for this now
Yeah, Jake Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, Timothee Chalamet, Arnie Hammer, Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, and Chyler Leigh all looked disgusted with themselves when they had to kiss their own gender 😩😩😩
To be fair, there are some reasonable suspicions regarding the orientation of a few of the actors you mentioned.
Never mind Jessica Capshaw, who is heterosexual in real life. She just wrapped up a 10 year run as one of TV’s most noteworthy lesbian characters. The lead from Love, Simon is also not gay.
ridiculous comment alert.
I’m sick of you homophobes judging peoples talent based on their sexual orientation.
They’ve probably already cast the actress, with intent on announcing it at SDCC.
Incorrect.
It may not be official, but I bet Berlanti and Dries have a short list in mind.
Isn’t Alan Cummings’ character on his new show on CBS an openly gay lead character? Would that make that character the “first gay lead character?”
Batwoman would the first gay lead in the superhero genre (on TV).
That’s not what the first sentence is saying.
I don’t get it either. What about Ellen? Queer as Folk? Will and Grace? The L word?
I think Tony Randall’s sitcom, “Love, Sidney”, would be the first gay lead in 1981.
“…gay lead superhero” was implied, but now has been spelled out. –Mgmt
I know Legends started out as more of an ensemble show, but I’d argue that Sara is a clear lead there.
Sara is bi, not a lesbian.
Cummings is currently married to a man, but he has always been very open about being bisexual. But yes, to your point about him being queer and playing a lead that also is.
I would love for her to be on Earth 38, with Supergirl, but I’m sure they’ll put her on Earth 1 with everybody else (excluding Black Lightning which is on an unspecified Earth).
I’m out of touch I though Barbra Gordon was batgirl
This is BatWOMAN. Different character.
as said, Batgirl and Batwoman are different characters, but you might like to know there have been a number of Batgirls = Stephanie Brown being the bestest. :D
As said, Batgirl and Batwoman are different characters. Just like Supergirl and Superwoman are different characters.
Cara Delevingne? She’s a pretty bad actress, but she looks the part of a wealthy socialite.
Yeesh, you just made me shiver with that choice. I agree, she is a lousy actress but would probably do the wealthy socialite bits justice.
She would never stoop to TV, she’s been doing movies.
TV is fortunate, then.
I believe the facts are specifying a openly lesbian and actress for the role is in response to the controversy that are wrapped and when Scarlet Jo Hanson was recently cast I believe the factor specifying a openly lesbian actress for the role is in response to the controversy corrupted when Scarlet Johansen was recently cast to play a trans character and ultimately removed herself from the project over the backlash
“open ethnicity”
She must be Lesbian (which I agree), but f*** the looks?
Redheads don’t deserve representation too??
Nobody cares abbout the looks, except when they don’t cast black people for black charcters or asian people for asian characters??
And don’t think I’m racist, because all I want is fidelity with the source material. What would people feel if they had cast Black Lightning daughter as anything other than black?
Also, they have cast Starfire black, and she is LATINA. As far as I know, latinos need representation too. Bur nobody cared.
How is Starfire Latina, she’s literally orange
Lol Starfire is a alien, where did Latina come from 😂😂😂
Orange people need representation too! They only have Donald Trump on TV right now, although admitedly, his horror show has gotten plenty of attention.
She’d better still be a redhead, darn it.
Well, she does wear a wig in the comics. (Though her actual hair is still red, just cut short)
:) – yup, the long red being stitched into the cowl, so maybe I’d be cool with them keeping that red and letting the actress be whatevs. :)
Though maybe they’ll go with the Cassandra Cain suit with full face covering… oh wait, that’s BatGIRL. lolz
So I am guessing that they’ll have to find
1. a name actress, or at least somewhat known.
2. Said actress to be under the age of 40, early 30’s even.
3. From the picture used, she will have to be an actual redhead. Hate when actors/actresses have to wear terrible red wigs for a role.
With all of that I’d say that actress Molly Quinn would be a good casting choice, though she might be too young. Either way, it will be interesting to see whom is cast.
I tried to get into Arrow, didn’t make it past season 1. And got behind on The Flash, I’m trying to catch up on that one.
I would love Molly Quinn in this role.
It straight out says 25-29.
haha I think some people don`t bother reading the entire article.
EVAN RACHEL WOOD.
You’re welcome.
????? Evan Rachel Wood is a little project called Westworld for the time being
One can always hope. She would be perfect for the role.
She’s too good for the CW, anyway. If this was a film I would agree.
Also, I think it would be great if a lesbian/bisexual actress were to land the role, just can’t think of any off the top of my head that aren’t already big names and already attached to bigger projects, or land in the (20’s-30’s, or even mid 30) age group.
I totally understand the need for trans actors to play trans characters, or casting someone with a similar ethnic background to play a character with a specified race, but as a member of the LGBT community, I don’t think gay characters need to be played by gay actors. It doesn’t take away from the experience watching a good actor regardless of their sexuality, tackle a role like this. Furthermore, I think it further reinforces the idea that openly gay actors can only play gay roles (which is generally all that is offered to them), when ideally they should be given the freedom to play any role they are right for gay or straight. This just screams PR stunt to me. They watched the Scarlet Johansson PR disaster and made a gross overcorrection.
Neither gay actors playing gay characters or trans actors playing trans characters is justifiable. If there is a trait about them that absolutely needs to be respected such as you can’t cast a white actor as a black person then fine but gender and sexuality don’t have such a trait. A gay actor largely looks like a straight actor and trans-actors can look anyone of us. You get trans actors who look like the gender they identify with (Jamie Clayton is a perfect example of this) while others still have physical traits that are of their birth gender. In many ways trans roles are the roles that are least impacted in their casting by gender, a trans-female would make perfect sense being played by a woman, a man, a trans-female and a trans-male as physical wise they can be anywhere on the spectrum
I don’t like the idea of sexual orientation being specified on a call sheet. I feel like it just isn’t the business of any employer, whether they are in the entertainment industry or otherwise. No employer should ever be allowed to inquire about the sexual orientation of a prospective or current employee, IMO. The flip side of this is actors (or other professional applicants) responding to employment ads that specify only heterosexual applicants.
Samira Wiley!!!
She would be great!
Natasha Negovanlis would be my choice, although she isn’t very known.
SHE WOULD BE FANTASTIC!!!!
I’d be happy with that casting as well. She is great.
she isnt a lesbian though, she’s pansexual
Ooh, yes.
The first person I thought of was Kristen Stewart. But she is way too big for this. The second person was Ruby Rose.
I could get behind Ruby Rose in the Batwoman costume. B-)
She’s a couple years above their preferred age range, and bi instead of a lesbian, but Monica Raymund is a wlw, she’s Jewish (which definitely does matter with this character and I hope they respect that), and now she’s left Chicago Fire. She would be a definite get for the CW. So Monica Raymund, please.
LOVE her, and love this choice. She can do action and humor and would mesh well with the other Berlantiverse characters.
She’s not in her 20s.
I realize that (acknowledged it in my original comment even) but:
Melissa Benoist, who plays Supergirl, is almost out of her twenties. Admittedly, Kara is supposed to be younger than Melissa, but it would be simply ridiculous for Supergirl to be as old/older than Batwoman. They should go ahead and let this series be led by a grown woman.
Stephen Amell was in his late twenties when Arrow started (and admittedly the role is starting to wear on him- he’s had back problems) while the guys of Legends- Brandon Routh (Ray/Atom), Dominic Purcell (Mick/Heatwave), Wentworth Miller (Len/Captain Cold), and Arthur Darvill (Rip Hunter), plus Matt Ryan (Constantine)- all started their roles securely in their thirties. Why can’t the same happen with a lead female role? Especially one with the immense backstory of traveling and training for years, like Kate in the comics?
And I demand that Matt Bomer and Neil Patrick Harris are never allowed to play womanizers ever again!
Who am I kidding? I judge them by their acting ability, not by their personal sexuality.
This.
Is it really necessary to exclusively audition lesbians for this role?
Given the fluidity of sexuality in Hollywood, I’m not sure specifically casting a lesbian for the part is all that watershed of a moment. What if the actress is Bisexual? Does that exclude them? The open ethnicity matter is interesting, given Batwoman’s aesthetic. The red hair and ghostly pale skin will make their choice significant. In the comic, the hair is a wig, but the skin is all her, as far as I know. If they go for the look as specifically a disguise, then anyone of dark complexion, will look like they’re doing Kabuki theater. Of course, maybe they’ll go for a radically different appearance. It’s a pretty iconic look though, so that would be a shame.
iiuc when they case a dark skins actress to play the Domino character in Deadpool they through out the aestheticness (?) of the white skin+dark costume ness of her usual outfit. Maybe the Batwoman people will do the same.
Strange that they feel a need for the actress to be a lesbian in real life. Gay actors play straight characters all the time and straight actors play gay characters all the time, it’s called acting? It’s not like sexual orientation stops one from looking the part they’re supposed to be playing, which is the argument for casting transgender actors in transgender roles: they can’t get non-transgender roles, so they should get all the transgender roles. Which, fine, makes sense.
Honestly this stipulation just feels wrong, though.