Batwoman season 2 is bringing in a new lead character following the surprise exit of Ruby Rose. This was confirmed over the weekend by series showrunner and producer Caroline Dries. Aside from confirming the news that had already been widely reported, Dries also opened up about what went into the decision.

Caroline Dries participated in a Q&A session during the virtual version of the ATX Television Festival. When discussing the decision to bring in a new lead as opposed to recasting the role of Kate Kane, Dries explained they did consider that for a minute as it would have been easier for them. They ultimately decided against it, with producer Greg Berlanti helping to push things in a new direction. Here's what Dries had to say about it.

"To be honest with you, I did consider the soap opera version for a hot minute, selfishly because we had already a couple of episodes written, and transition-wise it would be seamless... Upon further reflection, and Greg [Berlanti] helped me make this call, he is way smarter than me about this sort of stuff, he said, you know, we should just reboot the character in terms of reboot Batwoman as a different character, and also respect everything that Ruby put into the Katy Kane character. And I just think it helps the audience a little bit too, that we are not asking them to not address the elephant in the room."

In the pages of DC Comics, multiple characters have taken up the mantle of Batwoman. There was Kathy Kane, who preceded Kate Kane. Complicated character history aside, there is plenty of precedent in the source material for another character taking up as an established superhero. This also leaves the door open for Kate Kane to remain a part of the ArrowVerse, even if it is only on an occasional basis.

A recent casting call shared on Reddit revealed the new character name as Ryan Wilder. Described as "likable, messy, a little goofy and untamed" in the post, Wilder is also said to be nothing like Kate Kane. The name doesn't seem to match up with any character from DC, but it could be a decoy used specifically for the casting process. Speaking about the character, Caroline Dries had this to say.

"I'm inventing a whole new character who in her past was inspired by Batwoman, so she will take on the mantle and is completely maybe not the right person at the time to be doing it, so that's what makes it fun."

No names have officially surfaced in terms of finding Ruby Rose's replacement. Though Stephanie Beatriz of Brooklyn Nine-Nine fame did throw her hat in the ring. Batwoman season 2 does not yet have a return date set, but it is expected to debut sometime in early 2021. We'll be sure to keep you posted as further updates are made available. This news was previously reported by Bleeding Cool.