The CW has released a trailer for season 2 of Batwoman ahead of the show's return to the network in January. In the clip, viewers get a better look at Javicia Leslie as new lead character Ryan Wilder. The trailer also addresses the disappearance of Kate Kane following Ruby Rose's departure from the show after season 1 as Ryan discovers the Batsuit and assumes the role of Gotham City's savior. Of course, the trailer also unveils some footage of the new Batwoman in action with Leslie confronting Gotham's most dangerous villains.
"Time to be powerful," Javicia Leslie says in the trailer, introducing herself as the "new Batwoman." Alice (Rachel Skarsten) is also shown, addressing how Gotham's new superhero is a "handful."
Executive producer and series creator Caroline Dries previously divulged some details about what's to come in Batwoman at DC FanDome in September. Season 2 will primarily follow two major stories, beginning with the mysterious disappearance of Kate Kane and the previous Batwoman, exploring the impact this has on the other characters in Gotham who got to know Kate in season 1. The new episodes will also follow the rise of a new superhero in Gotham when original character Ryan Wilder is given the opportunity to succeed Kate as Batwoman.
"She has a lot going against her," Dries said of the new Batwoman. "She was a statistic of injustice and the system is not built for this person. She has constantly battled through the system - through her whole life and now as Batwoman."
An Arrowverse spinoff, Batwoman premiered on The CW in 2019. The series is set about three years after Bruce Wayne and Batman simultaneously disappeared, leaving Gotham without a hero. When his cousin Kate Kane (Ruby Rose) comes to town, she sees the need for a savior and becomes Batwoman to protect the people of Gotham City. The first season also delved into the contentious relationship between Kate and her presumed-dead twin sister Beth, also known as Alice and the leader of the Wonderland Gang.
After Batwoman was renewed for a second season, Ruby Rose made the shocking announcement that she was stepping down from her role in the show. This opened the door for a new actress to replace Rose in the lead role and Leslie was cast as Ryan Wilder soon after. For her part, Rose was supportive of Leslie's casting as the new Batwoman, wishing her successor well in a post on Instagram in July.
"OMG!! This is amazing!!" Rose wrote. "I am so glad Batwoman will be played by an amazing Black woman. I want to congratulate Javicia Leslie on taking over the bat cape. You are walking into an amazing cast and crew. I can't wait to watch season 2 you are going to be amazing!!"
Along with Leslie, Batwoman stars Rachel Skarsten, Meagan Tandy, Nicole Kang, Camrus Johnson, Elizabeth Anweis, and Dougray Scott. Season 2 of Batwoman will premiere on Sunday, Jan. 17 on The CW. The new trailer comes to us from The CW Network on YouTube.