A screen test for Ruby Rose's replacement on The CW's Batwoman has shed some light on the show's new character -- and she has ties to the Bat-family's past.
After the casting call appeared on Reddit for a new character named "Ryan Wilder," Batwoman showrunner Caroline Dries confirmed the character would be taking the place of Rose's Kate Kane. A now-deleted audition tape featured actor Jemma Hendricks auditioning for the role.
In the video, Hendricks' character appeared to get caught red-handed with Batwoman's costume, thanks to an embedded GPS tracker. The character is approached by two off-camera members of the "Bat-team" and then identified herself as Ryan Wilder. Wilder knows Kate Kane was Batwoman, stating she "saw everything that went down and put two and two together," presumably regarding Kane's last moments as the crimefighter. Kane's exact fate isn't revealed.
"Kate was our friend," the off-camera voice said, possibly playing the role of Luke Fox. "And we're not about to let someone undo all the good she's done for this city by rewriting her legacy."
"I'm not rewriting it," Wilder said. "I'm finishing it."
Wilder then went on to reveal that Jonathan Crane -- aka The Scarecrow -- killed her mother, and she wants to adopt the role of Batwoman in order to confront and kill him. Wilder threatened to fight the Bat-team for the suit if they don't let her keep it long enough to finish off Crane.
The team apparently relents, as Wilder is next seen in a mock-up of the suit, undergoing training as the new Batwoman. Her character is woefully awkward in the role, though, and clearly has to acclimate to the idea of being a superhero.
Rose played Kate Kane in the show's inaugural season, but stunned fans when she unexpectedly announced her departure last month after The CW had already renewed the show for a second season. Fans were further surprised when the creators announced that Kate Kane would be replaced with a new character, rather than simply recast.
The name "Ryan Wilder" may be a pseudonym, however, to keep the identity of the actual character under wraps. There is currently no character with that name in DC or The CW continuity.
Returning to The CW in Jan. 2021, Batwoman stars Rachel Skarsten, Meagan Tandy, Camrus Johnson, Dougray Scott and Nicole Kang. The series airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
(via The Cinema Spot)