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<ul class="summary-list"><li>Warning: There are massive spoilers ahead for the season two premiere of "<keyword id="1856611" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Batwoman">Batwoman</keyword>."</li><li>New "Batwoman" star <keyword id="9545377" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="javicia-leslie">Javicia Leslie</keyword> spoke with Insider about some of the episode's biggest moments.</li><li>Kate Kane (Ruby Rose), the former Batwoman, goes missing and is presumably dead. </li><li>Leslie said she has no idea what happened to Kate.</li></ul>The season two premiere of "<a href="http://insider.com/category/batwoman">Batwoman</a>" kicked off with a <a href="https://www.insider.com/batwoman-star-javicia-leslie-interview-2021-1">new lead star in Javicia Leslie</a>, a mystery surrounding the location of <a href="https://www.insider.com/ruby-rose-leaves-batwoman-show-2020-5">former Batwoman Kate Kane</a>, and the first sighting of Bruce Wayne's Batmobile. You better believe Leslie is ready to get behind the wheel."Oh yeah, for sure. Definitely," Leslie told Insider when asked if she's hoping to take a spin in the Caped Crusader's ride this season. Along with sharing how she wants to get behind the Batmobile's wheel, Leslie broke down some of the more spoiler-filled moments on the premiere with Insider.She dishes on whether or not she knows what happened to Kate Kane (Ruby Rose), and what's going on with her character at the end of the episode after getting punctured with a piece of kryptonite.Insider: They really up the ante with season two. Right from the start, we have this mystery around Kate Kane, and then we have an imposter Batman with a Batmobile. When you saw the script for the episode and you learned you were going to get chased by the Batmobile, what was your reaction?<div type="image" title="batmobile batwoman season 2" height="675" width="1200" msid="80321247" hostid="261"></div>Leslie: Oh my goodness! I grew up watching Batman and we didn't get to have the Batmobile in the first season. So you need to start the second season off with the Batmobile and, what looks like, Bruce Wayne. It's just freaking epic. It's one of the best ways to start off such a dope season to come. I was just really, really excited when I read that.Read more: <a href="https://www.insider.com/batwoman-star-javicia-leslie-interview-2021-1">'Batwoman' star Javicia Leslie is 'very honored' to be playing the iconic hero, especially after US Capitol riots</a>On the premiere, we learn Kate Kane's plane went down and she's currently missing. The show leaves it open for Kate to potentially return and have more than one Batwoman. Do you have any theories about what happened to her?<div type="image" title="ruby rose batwoman crisis on infinite earths crossover" height="801" width="1200" msid="80321249" hostid="261"></div>I actually don't know. I'm a few episodes in and I don't know and [showrunner] Caroline [Dries] hasn't told me and I don't want to know. I want to find out as we go on.Ryan gets impaled with kryptonite after her fight with Tommy. Luke said it should have killed her. She seems all right, but at the episode's very end, we see something's brewing. It looks like the kryptonite latched onto you. Is there a chance we may learn that Ryan is connected to some powerful forces in the DC universe that you may not be aware of or is she going to turn into something?You'll definitely see. I will tell you that little kryptonite's going to be a little bothersome for a while. You'll definitely see. I can't tell you too much beyond that.Earlier on in the episode, there's a point where Bruce - who's really Tommy/Hush - picks up a newspaper. I don't know if you noticed this, but one of the headlines reads "GCPD answer to charges of systemic racism." I'm not sure if that was a throwaway line or if season two plans to address police brutality at all within the Gotham City Police Department.<div type="image" title="gcpd racism batwoman season 2 201" height="1156" width="2233" msid="80321252" hostid="261"></div>I don't know yet because I haven't gotten the scripts for anything past what we've worked on, but I definitely see that being something that may become addressed, not just because of what's going on in society, but truly you're talking about the GCPD. I think that it's super important that we do address these issues, but I also think that we should still have fun creating the show.The second season of "Batwoman" airs on <keyword id="881869" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="the-CW">The CW</keyword> on Sundays at 8 p.m. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity, but you can read <a href="https://www.insider.com/batwoman-star-javicia-leslie-interview-2021-1">our longer interview with Leslie here</a>.

'Batwoman' actress wants to take the Batmobile for a spin and hints we could see the show address police brutality on season 2

<ul class="summary-list"><li>"<keyword id="1856611" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Batwoman">Batwoman</keyword>" star <keyword id="9545377" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="javicia-leslie">Javicia Leslie</keyword> spoke about representation and diversity to <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/batwoman-javicia-leslie-interview-stacey-abrams-supervillain-195842778.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo Entertainment</a> ahead of the show's upcoming season.</li><li>Leslie, 33, became the first Black actress to play Batwoman after Ruby Rose left the series in May 2020.</li><li>Leslie suggested "real superhero" former Democratic Rep. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stacey-abrams-bio-georgia-joe-biden-democrats-voter-registration-election-2020-11?_ga=2.2010609.1540029789.1610894173-1010384744.1601326466">Stacey Abrams</a> of <keyword id="6385073" type="LOCATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="georgia">Georgia</keyword> appear in the new season. </li><li>The second season of "Batwoman" premieres on January 17 at 8/7c on CW.</li></ul><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stacey-abrams-bio-georgia-joe-biden-democrats-voter-registration-election-2020-11">Stacey Abrams</a> has already been dubbed a superhero politician for her voting rights efforts in Georgia, but she might have a chance to debut fictional powers on the small screen.While speaking to <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/batwoman-javicia-leslie-interview-stacey-abrams-supervillain-195842778.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo Entertainment</a>, "Batwoman" star Javicia Leslie revealed that Abrams has been very "supportive" of the series so far."Shout out to <keyword id="6553667" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="stacey-abrams">Stacey Abrams</keyword>! I think she's going to love this season, and I hope we make her proud," said Leslie, the first Black and bisexual actress to take on the role of Batwoman.Leslie, 33, also admitted that she'd love to have Abrams enter the DC Universe and have her play a fictional character."Let's suit her up as a hero," said Leslie, before further speculating on Abrams' potential character arc. "That would be fun. A super-villain: I think we should go through the comics and find one we want to bring to Gotham and go ahead and suit her up."Leslie, <a href="https://www.insider.com/batwoman-star-javicia-leslie-interview-2021-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">who previously told Insider's Kirsten Acuna she's "very honored"</a> to play Batwoman, suggested the show could surprise fans by keeping Abram's identity a secret and "go awhile before we take off the mask and see that it's her."A representative for Leslie did not immediately return Insider's request for comment.<h2>Abrams is a self-proclaimed fan of sci-fi and fantasy franchises</h2><div type="image" title="Stacey Abrams " height="889" width="1778" msid="80320331" hostid="261"></div>Abrams, a former Georgia House Minority Leader and 2018 Democratic gubernatorial nominee <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stacey-abrams-bio-georgia-joe-biden-democrats-voter-registration-election-2020-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">who was vital in flipping Georgia into a Blue state</a>, previously revealed she was a fan of sci-fi and fantasy series.In November, she delighted her 2.1 million Twitter followers when she revealed her love for "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."In a fun Twitter exchange, Abrams weighed in on the love triangle between Sarah Michelle Gellar's Buffy Ann Summers, James Marsters's Spike, and David Boreanaz's Angel. "To be fair, Angel was the right boyfriend for Buffy coming into her power. Spike was the right man to be with as she became the power," she wrote. Abrams told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GsC0rZvsX4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buzzfeed's AM to DM</a> that she was a "Doctor Who" fan and watched three episodes of the series before <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stacey-abrams-national-debut-trump-state-of-the-union-speech-response-2019-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">making her televised response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union in February 2020</a>. She later specified on Twitter that she thought Tom Baker, the "Fourth Doctor" in the Doctor Who franchise, was one of her favorites. Last month, the cast of "Supernatural" reunited over Zoom and Abrams appeared to speak about voting rights, <a href="https://www.eonline.com/news/1216735/supernatural-cast-reunites-for-virtual-event-to-share-memories-and-support-voting-rights" target="_blank" rel="noopener">E! Online reported</a>. <h2>Leslie spoke to Insider about being a lead role in "Batwoman"</h2><div type="image" title="batwoman 201 javicia leslie" height="450" width="900" msid="80320332" hostid="261"></div>Leslie took over the <a href="https://www.insider.com/ruby-rose-batwoman-2018-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Batwoman role from actress Ruby Rose</a>, who appeared in season one but unexpectedly exited in May 2020.Leslie told Insider they've been "<a href="https://www.insider.com/batwoman-javicia-leslie-wants-flash-superhero-teamup-crossover-2021-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">really blessed" to be able to film the second season during the pandemic</a>."Our studio, our network is doing such an amazing job, making sure that we're safe, whether it be through PPE, new protocols through staying in our own zones," Leslie said. "I think they're doing the best that they can to make sure that we're able to still continue to come to work and provide for our families."She also spoke out about the US Capitol building riots, saying she felt "honored" to play Batwoman amid such a tumultuous period. "I'm very, very sad and disappointed with everything that is going on right now and what has been going on. A lot of what we thought had changed has been proven not to have changed," said Leslie. "But life imitates art and it's very important that we continue to have representation on the screen so that we can continue to build a future of people that feel empowered to fight their fight and speak their piece and still represent it."She added, "so to be a part of that, in any kind of capacity, I feel very honored."<ul class="read-more-links"><li> Read More</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stacey-abrams-bio-georgia-joe-biden-democrats-voter-registration-election-2020-11">Meet Stacey Abrams, the architect of Georgia's political shift from 'red' to 'purple'</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stacey-abrams-spreadsheet-life-goals-georgia-politics-fair-action-18-2019-12">Read the spreadsheet Stacey Abrams has used since college to plan and accomplish her biggest life goals</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/bow-wow-texas-houston-nightclub-backlash-2021-1">Bow Wow performed in a packed Houston nightclub for scores of mask-less attendees - and people have a lot to say about it</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/karl-anthony-towns-confirms-tested-positive-for-covid-19-2021-1">Karl-Anthony Towns says he tested positive for COVID-19 after his mother and 6 other family members died of the virus</a></li></ul>

'Batwoman' star Javicia Leslie wants Stacey Abrams to suit up as a hero and appear in the new season

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="9545377" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="javicia-leslie">Javicia Leslie</keyword> joins the second season of "<keyword id="1856611" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Batwoman">Batwoman</keyword>" in the title role when it premieres Sunday at 9 p.m. on <keyword id="881869" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="the-CW">The CW</keyword>.</li><li>Leslie tells Insider she hopes to team up with other Arrowverse superheroes, including The Flash (Grant Gustin).</li><li>Because of COVID-19 protocols, Leslie's not sure if that will actually happen.</li><li>In August 2020, producer Greg Berlanti said that the network would have a smaller crossover with "Batwoman" and the upcoming series "Superman &amp; Lois."</li></ul><a href="http://insider.com/category/javicia-leslie">Javicia Leslie</a> is going on her own solo superhero journey when she joins season two of "<a href="http://insider.com/category/batwoman">Batwoman</a>" on Sunday in the title role, but she's ready to mingle with some of her famous DC super friends. When asked if there's a chance we could see her team up with <a href="http://insider.com/category/the-flash">The Flash</a> or other heroes in The CW's <a href="http://insider.com/category/arrowverse">Arrowverse</a> in the future, Leslie told Insider, "I really hope so." "That's not on us," Leslie quickly added. "That's more so because of everything going on with COVID. We have protocols. Just to be able to collaborate with another show, it's really going to be about whether or not we can do it in a safe way."Any Arrowverse fan knows the most-anticipated events every fall on The CW are the crossover episodes, which unite multiple heroes across series, including "The Flash," "Supergirl," "Batwoman," and "The Legends of Tomorrow."<div type="image" title="arrowverse crisis on infinite earths trailer supergirl the flash superman" height="900" width="1283" msid="80287084" hostid="261"></div>December 2019's massive <a href="https://www.insider.com/the-cw-crisis-on-infinite-earths-crossover-cameos-photos-2019-12">"Crisis on Infinite Earths" crossover event</a> - the final time we saw the DC <keyword id="6355065" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="TV">TV</keyword> heroes together - led the network to <a href="https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/tv-ratings-arrowverse-crossover-cw-season-high-1203429720/">its highest ratings of the season at the time</a>. That crossover surprisingly had Grant Gustin's Flash meet up with WB's <a href="https://www.insider.com/crisis-on-infinite-earths-crossover-ezra-miller-flash-cameo-cw-2020-1">film counterpart, played by Ezra Miller</a>.In June 2020, The CW president Mark Pedowitz said the network was aiming for a <a href="https://screenrant.com/arrowverse-crossover-batwoman-superman-supergirl-2021/">smaller crossover to involve characters from "Batwoman" and the upcoming new spinoff, "Superman &amp; Lois,"</a> out in February. Executive producer Greg Berlanti reiterated this <a href="https://screenrant.com/arrowverse-crossover-coronavirus-impact-batwoman-superman-lois-dc/">at WB's DC FanDome event</a> two months later.It's unclear whether or not that's still the plan with the ongoing pandemic.<div type="image" title="superman lois the cw poster" height="1023" width="1364" msid="80287086" hostid="261"></div>The <a href="https://www.insider.com/javicia-leslie-cast-new-batwoman-2020-7">first Black actress to play the superhero</a>, Leslie takes over the famous cape and cowl from Ruby Rose, who <a href="https://www.insider.com/ruby-rose-leaves-batwoman-show-2020-5">stepped down from the role of K</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/ruby-rose-leaves-batwoman-show-2020-5">ate Kane</a> (Batman's cousin) in May 2020. Leslie will not take over the role of Kane, instead she's playing <a href="https://www.insider.com/batwoman-star-javicia-leslie-interview-2021-1">an original character, Ryan Wilder</a>.Leslie told Insider they've been "really blessed" to be able to film the second season during the pandemic."Our studio, our network is doing such an amazing job, making sure that we're safe, whether it be through PPE, new protocols through staying in our own zones," Leslie said. "I think they're doing the best that they can to make sure that we're able to still continue to come to work and provide for our families.""Batwoman" season two premieres Sunday at 9 p.m. on The CW.

'Batwoman' star would love to team up with other CW superheroes, but she's not sure it will happen because of COVID-19

<ul class="summary-list"><li>"<keyword id="1856611" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Batwoman">Batwoman</keyword>" star <keyword id="9545377" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="javicia-leslie">Javicia Leslie</keyword> spoke a lot with "The Flash" star Grant Gustin after joining <keyword id="881869" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="the-CW">The CW</keyword>'s Arrowverse.</li><li>Leslie told Insider she and Gustin spoke "a lot" about everything, including wearing superhero masks.</li><li>Both their characters — Batwoman and Flash — wear masks for extended periods of time when they're fighting crime.</li><li>"I said to him, 'Man, you didn't tell me how uncomfortable that cowl is going to be,'" Leslie told Insider while laughing, adding that Batwoman's cowl is probably the most uncomfortable part of the suit.</li></ul><a href="https://www.instagram.com/javicia">Javicia Leslie</a> didn't speak with former "<a href="http://insider.com/category/batwoman">Batwoman</a>" star Ruby Rose when <a href="https://www.insider.com/javicia-leslie-cast-new-batwoman-2020-7">taking over the Bat mantle for the show's second season</a>, but she did speak with another CW superhero, "<a href="http://insider.com/category/the-flash">The Flash's</a>" <a href="http://insider.com/category/grant-gustin">Grant Gustin</a>."It definitely isn't a pair of pajamas that are very relaxing to lay around in," Leslie told Insider about her customized suit. "But, it's funny because I talked to Grant [Gustin] about the cowl because he lives in his cowl for 'The Flash.'""Leading up [to the show,] he and I talked a lot about everything," she said about her fellow Arrowverse super friend.<div type="image" title="grant gustin the flash" height="2000" width="3000" msid="80255910" hostid="261"></div>But there was one thing Grant didn't warn her about."I said to him, 'Man, you didn't tell me how uncomfortable that cowl is going to be,'" Leslie said."Definitely having something so heavy on my face all day is probably the most uncomfortable part, a little more uncomfortable than the suit," she continued, "which is why I really love when Ryan gets to just wear the suit without the cowl."Read more: <a href="https://www.insider.com/the-cw-supergirl-melissa-benoist-suit-with-pants-details-interview-2019-10">'Supergirl' star Melissa Benoist's new suit with pants took nearly 4 months to complete. Here's how it came together.</a>Leslie knows the cape and cowl are the main part of Batwoman's suit, though, and it's not until she puts it on that she completely feels like the Caped Crusader.<div type="image" title="batwoman 201 javicia leslie batsuit" height="675" width="1200" msid="80255911" hostid="261"></div>"When I put [the cowl] on that's when I really feel like a superhero," Leslie said. "You have to take the weight of what it is to wear something that's this uncomfortable, but understanding the reason why you're doing it, what it means, and what it represents."Read more: <a href="https://www.insider.com/batwoman-star-javicia-leslie-interview-2021-1">'Batwoman' star Javicia Leslie is 'very honored' to be playing the iconic hero, especially after US Capitol riots</a>In our <a href="https://www.insider.com/batwoman-star-javicia-leslie-interview-2021-1">longer conversation about joining "Batwoman,"</a> Leslie told Insider via phone about putting on the Batsuit for the first time, a moment she described as "really surreal," having grown up watching Batman.Leslie will be seen wearing two different Batsuits on the upcoming season of the CW series, which premieres Sunday. The first one is Kate Kane's (Ruby Rose). A version of that suit was made for Leslie's body type. The team then worked for months on Ryan Wilder's version of the suit.<div type="image" title="batwoman season 2 poster javicia leslie" height="1200" width="800" msid="80255913" hostid="261"></div>When asked whether or not we may see her character team up with the Flash or another Arrowverse superhero at some point since typically the CW superheroes get together each fall in a giant superhero crossover. "I really hope so. That's not on us," Leslie said, adding that it will likely depend on COVID-19 and the protocols they need to follow to film safely. "Batwoman" season two premieres on The CW on Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

'Batwoman' actress says she spoke 'a lot' with 'The Flash' star Grant Gustin about joining the Arrowverse and the most 'uncomfortable' part of her Batsuit

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="9545377" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="javicia-leslie">Javicia Leslie</keyword> spoke with Insider about joining "<keyword id="1856611" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Batwoman">Batwoman</keyword>" as the lead star on its second season.</li><li>Leslie plays an original character, Ryan Wilder, who takes over the Bat mantle from former Batwoman Kate Kane (Ruby Rose).</li><li>The actress grew up loving Batman with Val Kilmer being her favorite person to don the cape and cowl.</li><li>She describes Batwoman's new suit as "epic," which was worked on for months.</li><li>Leslie said she feels honored to step into the role during a pivotal time in America's history.</li><li>"It's very important that we continue to have representation on the screen so that we can continue to build a future of people that feel empowered to fight their fight and speak their piece," Leslie told Insider.</li></ul><a href="http://insider.com/category/javicia-leslie">Javicia Leslie</a> was at home last year anxiously waiting to learn if she was going to be cast as the next <a href="http://insider.com/category/batwoman">Batwoman</a>."For three days, I could barely eat. I could barely sleep," Leslie told Insider, saying her partner encouraged her to relax. "I was just like, 'I can't! I need to know!' It's life changing."Leslie finally received the good news from her manager."My manager called me and said, 'Hi, may I speak to Ryan Wilder?'" she recalled, referencing her "Batwoman" character. "I lost it. I was just like, 'Oh my God, they chose me.'"When the show returns for its second season on <keyword id="881869" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="the-CW">The CW</keyword> this Sunday, Leslie will be <a href="https://www.insider.com/javicia-leslie-cast-new-batwoman-2020-7">the first Black actress to play Batwoman</a>.She's not taking over the role of Batman's cousin Kate Kane, previously played by Ruby Rose, who <a href="https://www.insider.com/ruby-rose-leaves-batwoman-show-2020-5">stepped down last May</a>. Instead, Leslie will play Wilder, an original character who doesn't appear in the comics, but is scrappy, self-motivated, and has a score to settle with some familiar foes in Gotham.A big Batman fan herself, Leslie spoke with Insider about stepping into the new role, the new, "epic," Batsuit made for her, her current Batman movie binge (along with her favorite Caped Crusader), and the importance of taking over the Bat mantle during a turbulent time in our nation's history.<h2>Developing Ryan Wilder's character was a collaborative process.</h2><div type="image" title="javicia leslie batwoman 201" height="675" width="1200" msid="80251848" hostid="261"></div>Insider: Ryan Wilder isn't based on any iteration of Batwoman. She's an original character. What conversations did you have with showrunner Caroline Dries and executive producer Greg Berlanti in discovering who Ryan is and her backstory? Did you help at all in shaping the character?Javicia Leslie: Well, of course Caroline and the writer's room created Ryan even before I came into the picture. But, as far as the development, I think it's been very collaborative. The thing about the process that we're going through is that the writers give me the ingredients such as the script, but then I'm the one who sits and creates the world through my imagination.That's what really helps to bring it alive as well along with the director, the crew, and the cast. It's definitely a very collaborative effort in bringing Ryan's story to life. I love that this is an original character. The thing about anything that's new, it's going to take a lot for anyone to get adjusted to it, but then you're going to look back years later and you'll be a favorite character.On the season two premiere, after the title sequence, your name is the first thing people see. What was your reaction when you saw your name is the first one to pop up on screen right after the "Batwoman" logo?Freaking cool, man. When I saw it for the first time, I was just like, "Wow." You know? Wow. This is... I'm speechless and this is life changing.<h2>Val Kilmer is Leslie's favorite Batman, but Christian Bale's take on the detective is up there, too.</h2><div type="image" title="batman forever val kilmer" height="1741" width="2319" msid="80251849" hostid="261"></div>You grew up with Batman. Which Batman - or Batmen - did you grow up with?So when I originally started doing press, they would ask me my favorite Batman. And I'd say, "OK, well, you know, Christian Bale." My last time I'd seen Batman it was Christian Bale or it might've been Ben Affleck - but we don't talk about that.Since I've been playing Batwoman, I went back and started rewatching all of the Batman [movies] and I don't know if that [is] my favorite anymore.I just got through Michael Keaton's and now I started Val Kilmer's Batman. Right now, I think he's the winner, so far. I have to finish his version of it one more time and then I can really make my decision. But yeah, right now, it's Val.Read more: <a href="https://www.insider.com/batman-actors-ranked-best-worst-2020-6">Every actor who's played Batman, ranked from worst to best</a>I thought you were going to go old school for a second and say <a href="https://www.insider.com/batman-actors-ranked-best-worst-2020-6#honorable-mention-we-cant-leave-out-kevin-conroy-10">Kevin Conroy, who got me into Batman with the animated series</a> back in the '90s.<div type="image" title="the dark knight joker" height="1366" width="2048" msid="80251851" hostid="261"></div>What makes you fall in love with the Batman actually isn't the actor. It's the villains. It's always about who your favorite villains are.And so the reason why I used to pick Christian Bale was, because to be honest with you, Heath Ledger, was a huge part of that decision.But then when I started going back, there were so many other epic villains. People forget that Danny DeVito killed it as the penguin [in "Batman Returns]."Read more: <a href="https://www.insider.com/the-batman-2021-movie-details-information-2020-2">What we know about the upcoming 'Batman' movie, starring Robert Pattinson</a><h2>Leslie didn't speak with former 'Batwoman' star Ruby Rose after getting cast.</h2><div type="image" title="ruby rose batwoman crisis on infinite earths crossover" height="801" width="1200" msid="80251852" hostid="261"></div>After getting the role, did you speak with Ruby Rose at all on taking over the mantle?No.Did you want to speak [with her] or did you want to make the role your own?It's a completely different role so there was literally no point.<h2>It was 'surreal' putting on the Batsuit for the first time, Leslie recalled. </h2><div type="image" title="batwoman 201 javicia leslie batsuit" height="675" width="1200" msid="80251853" hostid="261"></div>We see you put the suit on for the first time on the season two premiere. What was it like for you the first time you put it on?I recorded myself the first time I put the cowl on. I didn't look at myself at first and when I looked, I was just like, "Oh my goodness."I put the cowl on without a wig and...without the wig, it's pretty much the same thing that Batman wore.It's just a really surreal feeling because I grew up watching this superhero and to know that I now am taking the reins of this franchise, as far as the television generation goes, it's epic.What changes, if any, did they have to make to the suit for you? Did you have any input on any updates?<div type="image" title="batwoman season 2 javicia leslie poster" height="1200" width="800" msid="80251854" hostid="261"></div>There's two suits. I start off in Kate Kane's. They had to make a version for my body type.When it came to Ryan's version of Batwoman, we worked on it for months. We all collaborated. It was me, our lead costumer, Maya Mani, and our show creator, Caroline Dries, along with all the other executive producers, really just kind of taking our time and figuring out what the look of this Batwoman was going to be.I love what we came up with. It's an epic, epic suit. And I think that fro sitting on top, it's just like the perfect icing on top of everything.<h2>Leslie revealed she did a lot of her own stunts.</h2>I noticed - I hope I'm saying this right - you've trained in Muay Thai?I practiced Muay Thai before I even got on the show. It's really dope that we're able to use it on the show. I also do bo staffs as well.I was going ask if you're doing your own stunts.Yes, I am doing my own stunts on the show. I do have a stunt double, of course, which is necessary and she's amazing. She's able to do a lot more than what I'm able to do, but I do most of my own stunts as well.<h2>Leslie feels 'very honored' to be playing Batwoman right now after the US Capitol building riots.</h2>You were announced as Batwoman during a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/george-floyd-protest-washington-dc-photos-2020-6">turbulent</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-nyc-black-lives-matter-protests-2016-7">time</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/june-7-protests-george-floyd-black-lives-matter-photos-2020-6">in America</a>. What does this mean to you, especially after a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-supporters-storming-capitols-senate-chamber-dais-photos-2021-1">heartbreaking</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-destruction-inside-us-capitol-building-insurrection-riot-coup-2021-1">tumultuous week in America</a> to be playing this character? I'm very, very sad and disappointed with everything that is going on right now and what has been going on. A lot of what we thought had changed has been proven not to have changed.But life imitates art and it's very important that we continue to have representation on the screen so that we can continue to build a future of people that feel empowered to fight their fight and speak their piece and still represent it.So to be a part of that, in any kind of capacity, I feel very honored.<div type="image" title="batwoman season 2 poster javicia leslie" height="601" width="800" msid="80251856" hostid="261"></div>What message do you hope "Batwoman" sends to little boys and little girls who may be tuning in?I just hope everyone can see themselves in Ryan. I think the great part about Ryan's story is that it shows that anyone could be a hero. It's within all of us. And she really shows that journey.I'm going on that journey with her because I didn't know how to be a superhero. I kind of had to grow like Ryan had to grow.The second season of "Batwoman" premieres on The CW on Sunday at 9 p.m. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

'Batwoman' star Javicia Leslie is 'very honored' to be playing the iconic hero, especially after US Capitol riots

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Javicia Leslie will star as the new <keyword id="1856611" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Batwoman">Batwoman</keyword> when the show returns to <keyword id="881869" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="the-CW">The CW</keyword>.</li><li>Leslie is the first Black actress to play the role.</li><li>Ruby Rose stepped down from the role in May 2020.</li><li>Leslie will play an entirely new character, Ryan Wilder. The series is not recasting Rose's role.</li><li>The second season of "Batwoman" is expected to premiere in January 2021.</li></ul>The CW has found its new <a href="http://insider.com/category/batwoman">Batwoman</a>. Javicia Leslie will take on the Bat mantle on the second season of the superhero series when the show returns next year.<keyword id="14846" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Warner-Bros-">Warner Bros.</keyword> Television made the announcement in a release Wednesday. Leslie will be the first Black actress to play the character in a live-action <keyword id="6355065" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="TV">TV</keyword> series or film."I am extremely proud to be the first Black actress to play the iconic role of Batwoman on television, and as a bisexual woman, I am honored to join this groundbreaking show which has been such a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community," said Leslie in a statement from Warner Bros.In May, Ruby Rose, who starred on the first season of the CW show, <a href="https://www.insider.com/ruby-rose-leaves-batwoman-show-2020-5">stepped down from the role</a>. <div type="image" title="arrowverse crisis crossover batwoman arrow mia smoak" height="900" width="1203" msid="76864759" hostid="261"></div>"This was not a decision I made lightly as I have the utmost respect for the cast, crew and everyone involved with the show in both Vancouver and in Los Angeles," Rose said in a statement at the time.Rose sustained <a href="https://deadline.com/2019/09/batwoman-star-ruby-rose-undergoes-emergency-surgery-after-stunt-injury-left-her-facing-paralysis-1202747538/">a stunt injury during season one</a> which <a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/ellievhall/ruby-rose-neck-surgery-interview-batwoman">required emergency neck surgery</a> or she risked paralysis. Rose shared on social media she had <a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/ellievhall/ruby-rose-neck-surgery-interview-batwoman">two herniated discs</a> that were close to severing her spinal cord.Javicia will not take over Rose's role of Kate Kane, Batman's cousin.Instead, she'll play Ryan Wilder, who Warner Bros. TV describes as "likable, messy, a little goofy, and untamed."Here's the full description for her character:She's also nothing like Kate Kane, the woman who wore the Batsuit before her. With no one in her life to keep her on track, Ryan spent years as a drug-runner, dodging the GCPD and masking her pain with bad habits. Today Ryan lives in her van with her plant. A girl who would steal milk for an alley cat and could also kill you with her bare hands, Ryan is the most dangerous type of fighter: highly skilled and wildly undisciplined. An out lesbian. Athletic. Raw. Passionate. Fallible. And very much not your stereotypical all-American hero.Javicia previously starred on "God Friended Me" for two seasons and "The Family Business."The second season of "Batwoman" is expected to premiere on the CW in January 2021. The show airs Sundays at 9 p.m.

Javicia Leslie will star as the new Batwoman on the CW show, becoming the first Black actress to play the role

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="12354202" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="ruby-rose" source="Orion">Ruby Rose</keyword> revealed on social media that toxic <keyword id="12167601" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="working-conditions" source="Orion">working conditions</keyword> made her quit "<keyword id="12354201" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="batwoman" source="Orion">Batwoman</keyword>."</li><li>Rose left after its first season, originally stating she left because of an injury.</li></ul>In a series of statements on social media Wednesday, Ruby Rose criticized the showrunners of "Batwoman," <keyword id="12168283" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="the-cw" source="Orion">The CW</keyword>, and <keyword id="12094830" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="warner-bros-" source="Orion">Warner Bros.</keyword> for abusive working conditions that she said led to her departure from the show.Rose was the star of The <keyword id="12354200" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="cw" source="Orion">CW</keyword> "Arrowverse" spin-off show, but <a href="https://www.insider.com/ruby-rose-leaves-batwoman-show-2020-5">left abruptly last year after its first season in May 2020</a>. While she originally didn't state her reasons for leaving the show, <a href="https://ew.com/tv/ruby-rose-explains-decision-leave-batwoman/">in an interview with Entertainment Weekly later,</a> Rose said that <a href="https://deadline.com/2019/09/batwoman-star-ruby-rose-undergoes-emergency-surgery-after-stunt-injury-left-her-facing-paralysis-1202747538/">the serious stunt injuries</a> she received while filming the show were part of the reason for her departure.Now, Rose seems to be revealing the full reason for why she left."I'm going to tell the whole world what really happened on that set," the 35-year-old actress began in a series of statements posted to her Instagram Story. "I will come for you so that what happened to me never happens to another person again. And so I can finally take back my life and the truth. Shame on you."Rose then said that former Warner Bros. Television chief Peter Roth made young women "steam [his] pants" while he was wearing them. She also said he hired a private investigator to look into her after she left the series, but fired him when the investigator's report "didn't fit [his] narrative."The actress also blasted Roth for making her return to "Batwoman" 10 days after emergency spinal surgery to avoid paralysis because the executive refused to delay or write her out of the show. The actress said there were threats to shut down the show and fire the rest of the cast and crew because her recovery was losing the studio "millions."Roth left the company in October 2020 after 22 years with the company. When it was announced, Warner Media's CEO Ann Sarnoff said in a statement that he was "well respected by his colleagues and competitors, actors, writers, directors and producers." Rose also called out showrunner Caroline Dries, saying she refused to stop filming the show until the government forced a shutdown due to COVID. She also said that Dries only visited the set "4 to 5 times in a year."In social media posts, Rose also said her "Batwoman" costar Dougray Scott, who played Jacob Kane on the first two seasons, "hurt a female stunt double" and "yelled like a little bitch at women and was a nightmare.""He left when he wanted and arrived when he wanted," she continued. "He abused women and in turn as the lead of a show I sent an email out asking for a no yelling policy, they declined."In a statement to Insider, Scott said in part, "I absolutely and completely refute the defamatory and damaging claims made against me by her; they are entirely made up and never happened."<div type="image" title="batwoman 201 javicia leslie batsuit" height="602" width="803" msid="87172211" hostid="261"></div>Rose was recast in the second season of "Batwoman" by Wallis Day, but the show eventually went in a different direction and made Javicia Leslie the new "Batwoman" as a new protagonist, Alex Wilder.Warner Bros. Television Group slammed the allegations by Rose when Insider reached out."Despite the revisionist history that Ruby Rose is now sharing online aimed at the producers, the cast and crew, the network, and the studio," the statement began, "the truth is that Warner Bros. Television had decided not to exercise its option to engage Ruby for season two of 'Batwoman' based on multiple complaints about workplace behavior that were extensively reviewed and handled privately out of respect for all concerned."Rose's statements came after Gal Gadot <a href="https://www.insider.com/gal-gadot-joss-whedon-damage-her-career-2021-5">said earlier this week</a> that Joss Whedon "threatened her" on the set of another Warner Bros project, "Justice League."

Ruby Rose slams The CW's 'Batwoman' and says she endured a toxic workplace environment where she was forced to return '10 days' after a severe injury

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="623215" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Ruby-Rose">Ruby Rose</keyword> told Australian radio how her mask for "<keyword id="1856611" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Batwoman">Batwoman</keyword>" made her break out in hives.</li><li>In 2020, Rose left her role as the lead of "Batwoman" despite the show being renewed.</li><li>Rose said on the radio show that her reaction to the latex kept getting "worse and worse."</li></ul>Ruby Rose told an <a href="https://www.kiis1065.com.au/entertainment/ruby-rose-reveals-huge-downside-to-her-role-as-catwoman/">Australian radio show</a> that a latex <keyword id="6450271" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="allergy">allergy</keyword> was part of the reason for her sudden departure from <keyword id="1667590" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="CW">CW</keyword>'s "Batwoman" series after its first season.On "The Kyle and Jackie O Show" this week, Rose said she realized she was allergic to the costume while playing the lead role as Katy Kane.She told the hosts: "Oh yeah, you ask anyone who has ever played a superhero or villain or anything with that costume. They're not fun. That's not really the fun part."I did find out that I was allergic to latex and unfortunately my cowl, which is the mask, is latex so I was like 'I'm a little itchy.' I was getting worse and worse because as you get more contact with it, you get more reactions."The allergy was pretty serious as Rose explained that she once ended up with hives on her whole face. The actress said: "Eventually, I took off the cowl at the end and my whole face was hives. My throat was all messed up. It was like it was out of a scary movie."<div type="image" title="batwoman 201 javicia leslie" height="634" width="845" msid="84407965" hostid="261"></div>Last year, the 35-year-old Australian actress <a href="https://ew.com/tv/ruby-rose-exits-batwoman/">announced that she was leaving the series</a> in a statement after it was renewed for a second season. Whilst she did not say the reason for the departure in the original statement, she later explained some of the reasons in an <a href="https://ew.com/tv/ruby-rose-explains-decision-leave-batwoman/">interview with Entertainment Weekly</a>. She told EW: "Being the lead of a superhero show is tough. Being the lead in anything is tough. But I think, in that particular instance, it was a lot more difficult because I was still recovering from my surgery. I had my surgery and then 10 days later I went to work, which maybe wasn't the best idea ... I just think that it was also time for me to take a break to fully heal and then return."Rose revealed through a social media post in 2019 that she had to have surgery on her back after a <a href="https://deadline.com/2019/09/batwoman-star-ruby-rose-undergoes-emergency-surgery-after-stunt-injury-left-her-facing-paralysis-1202747538/">serious stunt injury</a> on the set of "Batwoman." Rose said in that interview that the injury was not the only factor in her decision to leave.The Australian actress was <a href="https://www.insider.com/javicia-leslie-cast-new-batwoman-2020-7">replaced</a> in season 2 of "Batwoman" by Javicia Leslie who played a new protagonist, Alex Wilder. Katy Kane was also recast as Wallis Day who appeared later in the season.

Ruby Rose found out she was allergic to latex during her role as Batwoman: 'my whole face was just hives'

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Insider spoke to "<keyword id="3367748" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="The-Flash">The Flash</keyword>" showrunner Eric Wallace and stars Danielle Nicolet and Kayla Compton.</li><li>The cast and crew discussed how the show has been at the forefront of representation and diversity.</li><li>Wallace spoke about the importance of having "fully realized, fleshed out, three-dimensional people."</li></ul>Representation has always been at the forefront of "<a href="https://www.insider.com/category/the=flash">The Flash"</a> since it premiered. But now with showrunner and executive producer Eric Wallace at the helm, the long-running CW series is finally showcasing more diverse characters and storylines in its seventh season."There are people watching this show of all ages, all races, all religions, all creeds," Wallace told <a href="https://www.insider.com/">Insider</a>. "They need to know that Black women, people of color in general, there's more to us than just the one side you see all the time.""We are fully realized, fleshed out, three-dimensional people. And the only way to really express that is to give them time to shine in the spotlight," he said.The hit show centers on the adventures of Barry Allen (<a href="https://www.insider.com/category/grant-gustin">Grant Gustin</a>), who becomes the titular DC Comics superhero after a particular accelerator at S.T.A.R. Labs explodes and he's struck by lightning. Barry vows to use his meta-human powers to protect the citizens of Central City by fighting crime with the help of his wife Iris West-Allen (<a href="https://www.insider.com/category/candice-patton">Candice Patton</a>) and Team Flash.Insider spoke to Wallace along with series regulars Danielle Nicolet (Cecile Horton) and Kayla Compton (Allegra Garcia) about "The Flash" bringing complex characters of color to the forefront. <div type="image" title="Victoria Park as Kamilla Hwang, Candice Patton as Iris West-Allen, and Kayla Compton as Allegra Garcia on &quot;The Flash.&quot;" height="1276" width="2532" msid="83546155" hostid="261"></div><h2>'The Flash' challenged the status quo from the start when Patton was <a href="https://deadline.com/2014/02/candice-patton-flash-pilot-cw-676866/">cast</a> as leading lady and ace reporter, Iris</h2>Casting Patton as a character whose comic-book counterpart is white was a controversial move at the time.It was also a groundbreaking decision since few comic-book-based shows or movies had delved into Black people's stories, let alone Black women's stories. While Black women embraced her, diehard comic-book fans and <a href="https://www.insider.com/the-flash-grant-gustin-defends-candice-patton-racists-comments-instagram-2019-7">racists</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/candicepatton/status/976645934112059392">took issue</a> with the show straying from its source material. But now, it's clear that Iris, and the love that she and Barry have for each other, is the anchor of the show. "He could not be The Flash without her," Wallace said. "And I don't think that's being said explicitly enough. However, I would say keep watching and you just might get that explicitly."<div type="image" title="Candice Patton as Iris West-Allen on season seven, episode 12 of &quot;The Flash.&quot;" height="585" width="780" msid="83546157" hostid="261"></div>Patton's casting seven years ago also paved the way for representation within the Arrowverse and beyond.Since the premiere of "The Flash," the Arrowverse has expanded to "Black Lightning," DC's first Black superhero to land his own show, and "<a href="https://www.insider.com/category/batwoman">Batwoman</a>," currently starring <a href="https://www.insider.com/batwoman-javicia-leslie-flash-grant-gustin-2021-1">Javicia Leslie</a> as the first Black actress to portray the iconic vigilante.Kiersey Clemons made her DC Extended Universe debut as Iris in "<a href="https://www.insider.com/category/justice-league">Zack Snyder's Justice League</a>" and will reprise the role for an upcoming "Flash" movie, starring <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/ezra-miller">Ezra Miller</a> as the titular character. And Ashleigh LaThrop voiced Iris in an animated film released in 2021 called "Justice Society: World War 2."<h2>Team Citizen was created to showcase the strengths of the show's female characters </h2>As much as "The Flash" is rooted in Barry and Iris' relationship, Wallace wanted to give Patton's character more independence.Earlier in the show, Iris' role as a junior reporter at Central City Picture News was a minor storyline. But as "The Flash" continued and bigger villains came into play, her career became less prominent. That changed when Wallace, then in his first season as a writer on the show, penned the season-four episode "Run, Iris, Run," which the writer called Iris' "turning point." Iris temporarily acquires Barry's speedster abilities and uses her newfound powers to save the city. But at the end of the episode, Iris realizes reporting is her calling and restarts the Central City Citizen blog."People think of it as the one where she gets speed," Wallace said. "I think of it as the one where she doubles down and declares her independence as a woman."<div type="image" title="Candice Patton as Iris West-Allen on season four, episode 16 of &quot;The Flash.&quot;" height="1613" width="2151" msid="83546159" hostid="261"></div>It's why Wallace delved into the formation of Team Citizen, an all-female group of reporters led by Iris, when he became the showrunner during season six.The Flash already had his own group of crime fighters, but Iris, one of the few characters who's not a meta-human, didn't have a reporting team. When Wallace pitched the concept for Team Citizen in the writer's room, he knew he wanted these characters to have agency. "They were like, 'What is that?' And I said, 'I'm not sure, but I know it's all women, all kick-ass, all doing their own thing, and it has nothing to do with The Flash unless their stories collide,'" Wallace recalled. Rather than being defined by relationships, Iris, meta-human reporter Allegra Garcia (Compton), and photographer Kamilla Hwang (Victoria Park) follow leads and uncover corrupt activity in Central City. And, as Compton said, they're all "painted as such complicated characters" so they never fall victim to dated tropes.Compton, who joined the show during season six as a reformed criminal and meta-human who can manipulate electromagnetic energy, said that the Team Citizen camaraderie is present off-screen, too.<div type="image" title="From left: Kayla Compton as Allegra Garcia, Victoria Park as Kamilla Hwang, and Candice Patton as Iris West-Allen on season seven, episode nine of &quot;The Flash.&quot;" height="800" width="1066" msid="83546161" hostid="261"></div>She recalled Patton complimenting her after filming a scene together early in the season, adding that she felt mutually "respected" as "artists working together.""It was one of the moments I started to feel a part of 'The Flash' family," Compton said. The formation of Team Citizen also paved the way for the Iris-centric second half of season six.Wallace said that the Mirrorverse storyline, which was central to season six and detailed an alternative universe where people got trapped due to a mirror, pushed Iris to her limits and showed more of Patton's range as an actress. It wouldn't have been possible had the character not been given agency.The current season is an extension of that, Wallace said, with Barry and Iris "coming together stronger than ever and finally, really being on the same page for once." "Now we can have them ... be in more situations as a couple and you don't feel like it's a woman with her man," Wallace said. "I can't stand that.""Last time I checked 51% of the population of the planet was female," he added. "That means any story told must reflect that world. And if it does not, you are not only doing a disservice to your audience, you're just being inaccurate, factually. And I don't accept that as a storyteller."<div type="image" title="Candice Patton as Iris West-Allen and Grant Gustin as Barry Allen on season seven, episode 11 of &quot;The Flash.&quot;" height="1488" width="1983" msid="83546164" hostid="261"></div><h2>Nicolet and Compton's characters are being explored more deeply this season, and there's more to come</h2>Heading into season six, Wallace realized that the network filming schedule was "exhausting" for the lead actors, so he began considering episodes that would provide "a good opportunity for them to get a little rest, but also open up the door to let supporting characters shine."To see if a supporting character could successfully lead an entire episode, the writers experimented with season six's "Kiss Kiss Breach Breach," a noir episode focused on tech genius Cisco Ramon (Carlos Valdes).The episode "proved the formula," leading to the exploration of newer Team Flash member Chester P. Runk (Brandon McKnight) in season seven. Wallace said that the episode, which gave insight into Chester's backstory and explored the father-son dynamic between Black men "was a highlight for us as writers."Fans will also learn more about Allegra later in season seven in an episode that will "dig into her background" and tie up loose ends with the character's estranged meta-human cousin Esperanza Garcia/Ultraviolet (Alexa Barajas), Wallace said.<div type="image" title="Kayla Compton as Allegra Garcia on season seven, episode 10 of &quot;The Flash.&quot;" height="1311" width="1748" msid="83546165" hostid="261"></div>Similarly, viewers will see more of Nicolet's Cecile, who saved Central City through her meta-human abilities earlier in season seven. Wallace said that the episode, plus another Cecile-focused episode to come this season, allowed Nicolet to show more range and illustrate that her character is more than just a love interest for detective Joe West (Jesse L. Martin)."The old notion of damsels in distress doesn't really apply over here on 'The Flash' these days and I love it," Nicolet said. "I love playing a woman that doesn't need to be saved."Nicolet, who was first introduced on season one and <a href="https://deadline.com/2018/06/the-flash-danielle-nicolet-promoted-series-regular-1202409871/">upped to a series regular beginning with season five</a>, said that the evolution of Cecile was a long time coming. Nicolet teased season seven, episode 13 as a major episode for her character."It's an Emmy-winning performance, in my opinion," Wallace said of the episode. "It's a tour de force that just brought me to tears."The episode was even more special for Nicolet because it speaks to the show developing complex characters of color and expanding their stories. <div type="image" title="Danielle Nicolet as Cecile Horton on season seven, episode eight of &quot;The Flash.&quot;" height="1481" width="1974" msid="83546167" hostid="261"></div>Nicolet, who's been acting since the 90s, has noticed that Black women are often "relegated" to two kinds of characters - those that are "not terribly intense" and those that are desexualized and "not always allowed to be considered beautiful."The actress said that the former kind of role stems from "the unspoken undercurrent, perhaps being like, 'Oh, we don't want you to be too intimidating. Nobody wants you to be the angry Black woman. Nobody wants you to be anything that someone might find disquieting.'"Nicolet added that "none of that is on the table" thanks to her exceptional "showrunner, network and studio" that supports these storylines. "We've not always been afforded opportunities to give characters layers," she said. "My character, especially this season, gets to explore periods of darkness. She gets to embrace her strength. She gets to not be tangential to a man. And this is something that is par for the course on our show for the women, particularly the women of color."Given her past experiences in the industry, Nicolet is glad that on "The Flash," there's "no concern about us being objectionable in any way, just because we're Black."<div type="image" title="Danielle Nicolet as Cecile Horton on season seven, episode 10 of &quot;The Flash.&quot;" height="1385" width="1846" msid="83546169" hostid="261"></div>"We're allowed to be beautiful and interesting and dark and complicated and also fun and quirky and compelling," she said. "It's not something that you see a lot on television, particularly with Black female characters." It also helps that Compton's Allegra and Nicolet's Cecile are resonating with "Flash" fans. It's even more special to the actresses because they didn't feel represented growing up."It's beautiful to hear from my friends that they're starting to feel represented in a way that they hadn't before," Compton, whose character is Hispanic, said. "It's wonderful to see more and more shows adopt this really great standard of hiring people who make up the actual world. It should be normal and it's becoming normal."<h2>Viewers have noted that the show <a href="https://www.tvguide.com/news/features/cw-the-flash-candice-patton-iris-west/">has finally acknowledged the race of characters like Iris</a> and integrated her identity into the series</h2>It began when Patton wore her hair naturally during season six, episode five, as Barry and Iris went on a brief trip to Tahiti. She appeared with her natural hair in two brief scenes, but it was enough to <a href="https://twitter.com/candicepatton/status/1166171699567636480">resonate with fans who look like her</a>.The showrunner said that when he first suggested the idea to Patton, she was already on the same page as him. <div type="image" title="Candice Patton as Iris West-Allen on season six, episode five of &quot;The Flash.&quot;" height="1610" width="2150" msid="83546171" hostid="261"></div>"We had this great conversation about how important it was to her, how important showing this other side was, and the kind of statement it could make," Wallace recalled.Wallace said that it was "an empowering moment for the show" and told Patton that he was "on board" for her deciding how Iris wears her hair in future episodes. "Now, we are exploring bringing that natural hair back again," he said, adding that it'd likely happen "sooner rather than later" and would hopefully be present in "a couple of full episodes."

There's a reason why 'The Flash' is telling more diverse stories now. The showrunner says he 'can't stand' when a show doesn't reflect the real world.

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="11363537" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="laci-mosley">Laci Mosley</keyword>, a Black woman, was cast as the character of Harper in the upcoming "<keyword id="9471331" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="icarly">iCarly</keyword>" reboot.</li><li>She said she received a barrage of hateful, racist comments on social <keyword id="6354777" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Media">media</keyword>. </li><li>Experts explain how widespread this behavior is, and why it remains pervasive. </li></ul>A writer on the upcoming "iCarly" reboot tweeted that one of the stars of the show was being targeted with hateful, racist comments."Hey #iCarly tweeps!" <a href="https://twitter.com/chescaleigh/status/1394066991321812992" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Franchesca Ramsey, who has over 230,000 followers, wrote on May 17.</a> "I'm seeing a looooot of racist abuse being hurled at one of our stars &amp; I'd love if you'd join me in calling it out when/if you see it." The tweet was widely shared and received over 12,000 likes."iCarly," which is set to premier on Paramount+ on June 17, is a remake of the Nickelodeon show that ran from 2007 to 2012. It stars <keyword id="1155935" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Miranda-Cosgrove">Miranda Cosgrove</keyword> as Carly Shay, who runs a web show with her friends. In the new series, Carly and her friends will be "navigating work, love, and family in their 20s," <a href="https://ew.com/tv/everything-we-know-icarly-revival-series/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to EW</a>.Following the tweet and subsequent comments from Laci Mosley, a Black actor set to join the cast of "iCarly", Insider spoke to experts with experience in the way people of color are treated in the <keyword id="4578" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="entertainment">entertainment</keyword> industry. They highlighted the pervasive <keyword id="44060" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Racism">racism</keyword> from online trolls, many of whom struggle to accept diversity being newly introduced into <keyword id="6357922" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Television">television</keyword> shows, and the importance of speaking out in order to effect change.<h2>Laci Mosley spoke out about racist abuse she'd received from fans who were angry she was joining the 'iCarly' cast</h2>It was announced in March that Mosley, an actor best known for her role in the sitcom "Florida Girls" and her podcast "Scam Goddess," would be joining the cast in the role of a new character called Harper, who will live with Carly.While many of the original cast, including Cosgrove, Jerry Trainor, and Nathan Kress, are returning to the reboot, fans noticed that the character Sam Puckett, played by Jennette McCurdy, was missing.This appears to have led to backlash towards Mosley on social media, with fans angry that a beloved white character is not present, but a Black woman is."Laci's character Harper isn't replacing Sam," Ramsey tweeted, <a href="https://twitter.com/chescaleigh/status/1394422103533780995" target="_blank" rel="noopener">following up with statements</a> from her fellow writers condemning the racism. "No one could replace Jeanette McCurdy or her incredible talent! But it's both racist as hell &amp; completely unfair to decide that Laci hasn't earned her role especially since the show isn't even out yet!!"Mosley tweeted that she had received racist TikTok videos and social media comments since the announcement, and it had broken her heart. <a href="https://twitter.com/DivaLaci/status/1394383888777060352" target="_blank" rel="noopener">She said</a> "being a Black woman is exhausting" and "we all deserve better."She also posted <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CO_oy75ppE3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a statement to her Instagram</a>, saying that she loves being Black, but hates "how Black people are treated on this planet."I was shocked when a celebration of all the hard work we've put into making this reboot was overshadowed by the most racism I've ever experienced in my life over the course of 72 hours," she said. "I felt silly being so upset because I've been in this little brown body my entire life and racism isn't new but it still hurts."<h2>'When you're accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression'</h2>The issue of racist backlash against women of color in entertainment is widespread. Amina Smith, a former Stadium Sports Network host who is now the on-air talent for NBC Boston Sports, told Insider she has experienced racism in many different ways. She's had people calling her the N-word slur in messages, and has been told she's not qualified for her job because she is simply filling a "Black quota.""It sickens me to see that people who have never met you have so much hate for you just based on what you look like," she said, adding that anonymity makes it easier for people to be comfortable spewing hate."I think people often detach <keyword id="6412373" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="celebrities">celebrities</keyword> from being actual humans that can hear, see, and feel the hate that comes their way," she said. "All of this just shows that racism isn't something of the past and unfortunately, very much a reality in this country."Cheryl L. Bedford is the founder of social action organization <a href="https://wocunite.org/about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Women of Color Unite</a>, which focuses on fair treatment and fair pay for women of color in the entertainment and media industries. She told Insider that racism directed at the success of Black people is a blatant example of "when you're accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression."Seeing more Black talent taking starring roles can cause an angry reaction from some white people because they are so used to being centered in every conversation, she said."Content has always been seen through the white male cis-gender heterosexual gaze," she said. "So as we get more and more diverse, you will have that backlash."<div type="image" title="iCarly reboot" height="1500" width="2000" msid="83153606" hostid="261"></div>It's particularly apparent when shows are rebooted because people tend to have a nostalgic attachment to them, she said, and don't like to see them changed - especially when the show wasn't initially diverse."They have these feelings from childhood that come up," Bedford said. "What they fail to realize is that people like me, we never saw ourselves in that. You might be attached to it. We're not. And if you want our dollars, you got to put us in it."That fallout is a spectrum, from casually racist comments to rampant, hateful abuse. And it will continue to increase until diversity is the norm, Bedford said."The work that I do is exhausting. The emotional energy that comes from calling things out over and over and over again is exhausting," she said. "But it's the work that needs to be done because we have to get to the point where it is normalized."<h2>The hateful campaign highlights a gendered form of anti-Black racism</h2>Tyler Parry, an assistant professor of African American and African Diaspora Studies at the University of Nevada, told Insider that directing racist hate towards people of color cast in television shows is common."This has been a pretty consistent thought process amongst racists on the internet," he said. "Where even before the show begins, it is doomed for failure in their minds, simply because the network had the audacity to recast the part for better representation."He thinks campaigns of targeted harassment can be intended to psychologically damage the actor, but also to put pressure on the studio to recast them with another white person."We also have to consider that this is a gendered form of anti-Black racism, and this is just the most recent manifestation of that," he said. "And I think that's important because it does seem that Black women are the ones most targeted by these campaigns."For example, the same kind of vitriol was seen when a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/the-hunger-games-were-you-upset-rue-was-black-because-a-lot-of-other-people-are-2012-3">Black actor was chosen as the character of Rue in "The Hunger Games</a>," or when <a href="https://attitude.co.uk/article/batwoman-star-javicia-leslie-has-a-message-for-racist-trolls-the-suit-doesnt-have-a-race/24399/">Javicia Leslie was cast as Batwoman</a>.<h2>Support from allies is vital to send a message that racism should not be tolerated</h2>Philip McKenzie, the chief strategy officer at MediaVillage and the executive director of <a href="https://www.mediavillage.com/advancing-diversity-villages/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AdvancingDiversity.org</a>, told Insider that when racist abuse happens, it is important for casts, productions, and studios to have a united front against the hate "to not only support the talent that is under attack but to send a clear message to fans this behavior is not tolerated or welcome."The Instagram account for "iCarly" on Paramount+ shared a statement following the tweets, saying the racist attacks were "not acceptable." It was shared by Mosley's costars Cosgrove and Trainor, who added that he never wanted to hear the phrase "iCarly fans are racist" ever again."Our company is proud to uphold the values of inclusivity and collaboration, where we work to embrace new and diverse voices, act with care, and work together," it reads. "The upcoming Paramount+ iCarly series is one of many examples of this commitment, and we support our entire cast and crew and stand against all instances of hate and racism."Some experts think studios could do more. Marc Morial, the president and CEO of the civil rights organization <a href="https://nul.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Urban League</a> who has fought against racism in Hollywood, told Insider that in order for people of color to see themselves in the stories that shape our worldview, diversity and inclusion needs to be pursued "at every level and in every facet of the entertainment industry.""It is just as important for white America to see people of all races, ethnicities, and cultures represented realistically in the media they consume," he said.Bedford said this means hiring more people of color as writers, producers, and directors because "the marginalized can write for the ones in power.""The opposite is not true," she said.Insider has reached out to Paramount representatives for comment.Parry said that with the rise of social media, even a small collective of online trolls "can have a very big voice.""It does amplify people who have prejudices that they want to let loose and unleash on specific groups," he said.The support shown for Mosley has also been huge though, according to her recent tweets."I just want to thank you all for being so kind and uplifting me over the past few days," <a href="https://twitter.com/DewaynePerkins/status/1394495037858222081" target="_blank" rel="noopener">she said on May 19.</a> "I can't believe how a scenario that started out so negative has become SO overwhelming positive."<a href="https://www.insider.com/culture">To read more stories like this, check out Insider's digital culture coverage here.</a>

The racist trolling of an iCarly star follows a pattern of online abuse against Black women in television, experts say

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Warning: There are spoilers ahead for season two of "<keyword id="1856611" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Batwoman">Batwoman</keyword>."</li><li>The Batmobile makes its debut on the season two premiere.</li><li>Showrunner Caroline Dries told Insider we could have seen the vehicle at the end of season one if it wasn't for the coronavirus.</li></ul>Bruce Wayne's Batmobile makes its first appearance on Sunday's season two premiere of "<a href="http://insider.com/category/batwoman">Batwoman</a>," but fans almost saw it sooner."We actually originally had plans to see it at the end of season one, and that's when we started designing it, but COVID had other plans for us," "Batwoman" showrunner Caroline Dries told Insider during a media day for <keyword id="881869" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="the-CW">The CW</keyword> series."So it actually worked out great, I will say, that we got to introduce it as a new character in the premiere," Dries continued. "It just feels a little bit more premiere worthy."The Batmobile appears on Sunday's premiere when Tommy Elliot (Warren Christie), posing as Bruce Wayne, infiltrates the Batcave and steals it. He then uses the vehicle to pursue Ryan Wilder (Javicia Leslie) to steal Batwoman's suit so he can rule over Gotham as a <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/batman">Batman</a> imposter.<div type="image" title="2020 Corvette DSC_9255" height="1128" width="1504" msid="80321032" hostid="261"></div>If the car looked familiar, it's because the design was inspired by <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chevrolet-corvette-mid-engine-review-c8-horsepower-price-specs-chevy-2020-10">a newer Corvette</a>."It's based on a new Corvette chassis," Dries said. "So we then VFX the wings and all the extra gack on it." Read more: <a href="https://www.insider.com/batwoman-star-javicia-leslie-interview-2021-1">'Batwoman' star Javicia Leslie is 'very honored' to be playing the iconic hero, especially after US Capitol riots</a>It's a serious upgrade from the motorcycle Kate Kane (Ruby Rose) took around Gotham on season one.After Rose stepped <a href="https://www.insider.com/ruby-rose-leaves-batwoman-show-2020-5">down from the role last May, </a>Leslie took over as Batwoman this season as the <a href="https://www.insider.com/javicia-leslie-cast-new-batwoman-2020-7">first Black actress to play the superhero</a>. "We'll see as she kind of takes it on as her own set of wheels," Dries said of Ryan Wilder's Batwoman. "It's just super fun. It's just a whole new world of different gadgets that can fly out of there and different stunt sequences we can do."<div type="image" title="batwoman javicia leslie" height="675" width="1200" msid="80321033" hostid="261"></div>"Batwoman" star Javicia Leslie previously told Insider she'd love to take the vehicle for a spin this season. During the network's media day for the show, Leslie teased that we'll see her inside the iconic Batmobile at some point."I'm definitely not doing like the stunt scenes with the vehicle," Leslie told a group of reporters Friday. "The most I'll do is if they need me to pull into the scene, I'll pull into the scene.""But I'm terrified," she admitted. "That's a very expensive car and I don't have the money if something happened.""Batwoman" airs Sundays at 8 p.m. on The CW.

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'Batwoman' actress wants to take the Batmobile for a spin and hints we could see the show address police brutality on season 2

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'Batwoman' star Javicia Leslie wants Stacey Abrams to suit up as a hero and appear in the new season

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'Batwoman' actress says she spoke 'a lot' with 'The Flash' star Grant Gustin about joining the Arrowverse and the most 'uncomfortable' part of her Batsuit

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'Batwoman' star Javicia Leslie is 'very honored' to be playing the iconic hero, especially after US Capitol riots

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Javicia Leslie will star as the new Batwoman on the CW show, becoming the first Black actress to play the role

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Ruby Rose slams The CW's 'Batwoman' and says she endured a toxic workplace environment where she was forced to return '10 days' after a severe injury

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Ruby Rose found out she was allergic to latex during her role as Batwoman: 'my whole face was just hives'

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There's a reason why 'The Flash' is telling more diverse stories now. The showrunner says he 'can't stand' when a show doesn't reflect the real world.

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The racist trolling of an iCarly star follows a pattern of online abuse against Black women in television, experts say

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'Batwoman' almost introduced the Batmobile on season 1, but then COVID-19 changed their plans

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