New Batwoman Javicia Leslie hadn’t come out to her mother when she was cast as the caped crusader
Javicia Leslie joins Batwoman in its second season. (The CW)
New Batwoman actor Javicia Leslie revealed she hadn’t come out to her mother when she won her trailblazing new role.
Leslie made history when she was named the first Black actor to play Batwoman, with headlines also picking up on her bisexuality – though when she was cast, she was yet to come out to her mother.
‘We had to have a conversation when I got this role because I knew my sexuality would be discussed,” Leslie told Health magazine.
“She and I had never talked about it. She was like: ‘You don’t have to talk to me about it. I’m your mother, I’ve known since you were a child.’
“Once that was said, I didn’t have to speak to anyone else about it because my mother knew me and understood me.”
Leslie also touched on the magnitude of being the first Black woman to play Batwoman, saying she “felt honoured”.
“I was a big superhero kid – I loved action,” she said.
“So to be an example to other little girls means a lot. I’m proof that it’s possible.”
Javicia Leslie joins Batwoman in season two, which begins 17 January on The CW. She plays Ryan Wilder, who takes on the Batwoman mantle after the departure of Ruby Rose’s Kate Kane.
It was revealed in October that although Ryan will at first wear the same suit as Kate, she soon grows into her new role and unveils a re-designed, unique Batsuit in the third episode.
Fans were previously treated to the first photos of the Batsuit, featuring a new cowl, red gauntlets over the forearms and shorter boots, with Ryan wearing her hair natural and curly with red streaks.
Leslie collaborated with with Mani and executive producer Caroline Dries to design the look, and said: “I love the fact that Ryan is becoming her own Batwoman – it’s her style, her swag, and her moment!
“It was an honour to be able to collaborate with Caroline and Maya. 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!”
