‘Batwoman’ reveals first photo of Javicia Leslie in costume

The CW has released two first-look photos of Javicia Leslie in the new Batwoman costume ahead of the show’s season two return, and not only is the actor rocking the look, but fans were also treated to a brand new Batsuit design.On October 26 the network, along with production partner Warner Bros., dropped two posters of Leslie’s Ryan Wilder character sporting natural, curly hair with red streaks, along with the new costume. It features an updated mask, new red armbands, shorter boots, and a standout red bat emblem that leaves no doubt who this superhero is. Add in a rather fierce look from Leslie and a shadowy moon in the backdrop of one poster, and it looks as though this is going to be a pretty intense season.

Becoming her own Batwoman ? @JaviciaLeslie pic.twitter.com/wnNCLuYI8d

— Batwoman (@CWBatwoman) October 26, 2020

According to the official press release, fans won’t see Ryan wear this particular suit right away. At first she’ll put on the same suit that Kate Kane (Ruby Rose) wore in season one, but as the season progresses she’ll add her own spin to the look. In other words, it’s all about baby steps, but viewers should expect the full new unveiling by episode three.[video_embed id='1966946']RELATED: Ruby Rose reflects on ‘Batwoman’ exit[/video_embed]“I love the fact that Ryan is becoming her own Batwoman—it's her style, her swag, and her moment!” Leslie said in a statement. “It was an honour to be able to collaborate with [the designers]. I felt it was important that viewers could tell by the silhouette that Batwoman was a Black girl. With the form-fitting suit and beautiful Afro, we definitely nailed it!”As previously reported, Leslie is the first Black actor to play Batwoman on any live-action film or television show. “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 honoured to join this groundbreaking show which has been such a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community,” she said in the release announcing her casting this past summer.

.@JaviciaLeslie is Gotham's new hero. #Batwoman Season 2 is coming in 2021! pic.twitter.com/XUcy9ItlkS

— Batwoman (@CWBatwoman) July 9, 2020

The role of Batwoman for this particular CW project was originated by Ruby Rose, who announced at the end of season one that she was exiting the show. Rather than replace the character the series created a new one to take her place, and that character is now also an official part of the DC Comics universe, having made her debut in Batgirl #50. How Ryan will be introduced to the other characters, or what kind of impact her addition will have on some of the larger storylines (including the crossover episodes, where Kane had become one of the seven Paragons needed to save Earth), remains to be seen. What Warner Bros. has confirmed is that this character is the opposite of Kane, and that she’s “likable, messy, a little goofy and untamed.”This past summer, Rose opened up about her decision to step down as the lead in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, opening up about the difficulties of filming following a back injury that required surgery. “Being the lead of a superhero show is tough. Being the lead in anything is tough,” she said. “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. Most people take about a month or three off before they return to work, so it was definitely made more difficult by that. But as far as being a lead of a show or a film—regardless if it’s action or if it’s emotional—in whichever ways it’s taxing.”Batwoman returns to The CW in January 2021.[video_embed id='2049925']Before you go: 'Horse girl' from Alberta can gallop and jump just like a horse[/video_embed]