Fear not, Batwoman fans as Kate Kane will not be killed off. The DC series was recently dealt a surprising and significant blow when it was revealed that star Ruby Rose was leaving. The CW is pressing forward and will be casting a new actress in the lead role. That raised a lot of questions in regards to how the network could go about it, but showrunner Caroline Dries has promised that it won't involve killing off the original Gotham City hero.

Rumors recently began swirling online that Kate Kane would be killed off, paving the way for this new Batwoman to enter the picture. Those rumors gained enough traction that Caroline Dries felt the need to address them personally. Taking to Twitter, here is what she had to say about it.

"As a lesbian who's been working as a writer for the past fifteen years, I'm well aware of the 'Bury Your Gays' trope and I have no interest in participating in it. That's why it's important to me as the showrunner to clarify any misinformation out there about Kate Kane and recasting Batwoman. Like you, I love Kate Kane, she's the reason I wanted to do the show. We'll never erase her."

This is important for several reasons. For one, it means Kate Kane will, in theory, remain part of the ArrowVerse, even if it's from a distance. That could leave the door at least cracked open for a return down the road. It also plays into what fans can expect from Batwoman season 2, as Kate's absence will need to be explained. Speaking further, Caroline Dries explained that it will be a big part of the plot next season.

"Her disappearance will be one of the mysteries of season two. I don't want to give away any of our surprises, but to all our devoted fans, please know that LGBTQ+ justice is at the very core of what Batwoman is and we have no intention of abandoning that."

The creative team had to shift plans heading into season 2 following Ruby Rose's departure. The idea of simply casting another actress to take on the role of Kate Kane was considered, but they ultimately decided to head in a different direction. As casting call revealed that the new Batwoman is going by the name Ryan Wilder, but that could just be a placeholder or a fake name to avoid having things spoiled.

No names have been revealed officially to be in the running for the surely coveted role. Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Stephanie Beatriz did express interest on Twitter. Originally, Batwoman season 2 was expected to arrive in the fall. The CW had to push back much of its schedule due to the production shut down and it is now expected that the show will return in early 2021. We'll be sure to keep you posted as any further details are made available. You can check out the full statement from Caroline Dries' Twitter.