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Batwoman TV Show Being Developed By The CW [Updated]
Batwoman is officially getting her own TV series at The CW, following the character's appearance in this year's annual Arrowverse television crossover event between Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, and DC's Legends of Tomorrow. The series is being developed by Caroline Dries, a writer/producer who previously worked on The CW's young Superman TV show Smallville. More recently, Dries has served as a writer/producer on the network's Melrose Place and The Vampire Diaries TV show.
The Arrowverse's head architect Greg Berlanti will executive produce the Batwoman TV series through his Berlanti Productions banner, along with his longtime collaborator Sarah Schechter. Greg Berlanti will further executive produce the DC TV series, despite having recently stepped down as DC's Chief Creative Officer. Assuming The CW enjoys the pilot episode well enough to give it a season order, Batwoman will premiere on the network in 2019.
Here is the synopsis for the Batwoman TV show (per Variety), which further confirms the character's sexuality in the small screen adaptation (UPDATE: TVLine has learned the show's producers are seeking an openly gay actress to play Batwoman. The role is open ethnicity and intended for someone aged 25-29):
In the series, Kate Kane, armed with a passion for social justice and a flair for speaking her mind, soars onto the streets of Gotham as Batwoman, an out lesbian and highly trained street fighter primed to snuff out the failing city’s criminal resurgence. But don’t call her a hero yet. In a city desperate for a savior, Kate must overcome her own demons before embracing the call to be Gotham’s symbol of hope.
Reading between the lines, it sounds like the plan is for the 2018 Arrowverse crossover to introduce Batwoman and quietly set the stage for her solo TV show. That way, on the off-chance that Batwoman isn't ordered to series, the door stays open for her to make future guest-starring appearances on any of the four Arrowverse TV shows. Of course, even if Dries' DC superhero series does get a full season order, there's nothing to stop Kate Kane from making a trip to Star City, Central City, or even catching a ride on The Waverider, if she feels like it.
All things considered, it will be nice to have another female superhero-led TV series on The CW, not least of all with its protagonist's comic book sexuality intact. The network has grown increasingly supportive of the LGBTQ+ community in recent years by incorporating more recurring gay or bisexual characters into DC TV shows like Supergirl and Legends of Tomorrow, while also introducing new ones in series like Black Lightning. Supergirl is even adding a transgender character next season, so Kate Kane will be in good company when she makes her debut later this year.
Of course, the big question now is: with San Diego Comic-Con happening this week, will The CW officially announce who's playing Batwoman during one of the Arrowverse TV show panels at the event? It's a real possibility, so be sure and stay tuned to Screen Rant for our impending coverage of the SDCC festivities.
