Fans at The CW’s Batwoman Comic Con panel were disappointed when the star, Ruby Rose, was a no-show. However, this was explained by executive producer Caroline Dries: “We shoot six out of seven days a week, her schedule is really, really tight.” She explained that shooting days are Monday through Saturday so there was no way Ruby could have been there. Executive producer Sarah Schechter likened it to the disappointment of going to a concert. “People came to see a giant band and we’re like the bass player,” she joked.
Ruby Rose sent her love to fans in an Instagram post, stating: “I’m not going to be there, which stinks a lot, but just know that we tried everything that we could humanly to be there. It wasn’t until really now that we realized there wasn’t any other way to finish this episode, this ambitious episode that we’re doing, and create this amazing show that really is special.”
Despite the disappointment in not having the star of the show on the panel, the producers made a big announcement that put fans at ease. When questioned about the possibility of crossovers, the producers affirmed that although they are currently in the works, they are sworn to secrecy. However, they did reveal that there will be a lot of characters in what was described as a “five part epic event” for the next Arrowverse crossover in the fall, one being Burt Ward, who played Robin from the iconic 1960’s Batman series that featured Adam West. Other teasers included that some of Batman’s old enemies return when they find out there’s a new bat in town. However, the producers assured the crowd that these villains will be done in a new way, one being Tommy Elliot (Hush).
Concerning the major draw of the series, the producers noted that diversity is key. Dries noted that Batwoman is garnering attention for having the first openly gay lead character in a superhero series played by an out actress. “Representation is everything and diversity is our strength,” Schechter added proudly. “We love this character and we love her sexuality and we love her beyond her sexuality…We’re really proud of being able to have an out lesbian woman front and center of these shows.”
Those at the Comic Con panel were given a sneak peak into the pilot. Upon discovering Bruce Wayne’s bat suit, Ruby Rose as Kate Kane delivered a memorable line. When she asks that it be altered and is told that the suit is “literal perfection,” she states, “It will be once it fits a woman.”
Although the series is based on the DC comics, there are a few differences that fans will find apparent. In Detective Comics, Kate Kane and her sister, Beth, are identical twins, unlike in the series. Also, in the series, Beth and her mother both died in a car accident. However, in the comics, they are both seemingly killed after being kidnapped by gunmen. Another difference is the military academy that Kate attends. According to executive producers Sarah Schechter and Caroline Dries, this was due to the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy that is no longer applicable as in the past. Therefore, by creating a fictional academy rather than West Point, the creators were able to veer around that issue.
The idea of Alice being Kate’s sister was revealed early on in the series. According to the producers, this was a creative decision made so that the focus would be on Kate’s journey as she tries to achieve humanity in the monster that her sister has become. Also, those who were familiar with the comics would already be aware that they were sisters and holding it off for dramatic effect would have been pointless.
The producers noted that there is some crossover between Kate Kane and Ruby Rose, like being vegan and having tattoos. They also released a new trailer at Comic Con that can be seen below.
The series will premiere October 6th on The CW.