Batwoman’s Javicia Leslie on emotional first experience as first Black, queer woman in batsuit: ‘It’s an immense responsibility’

Batwoman star Javicia Leslie has admitted she felt an ‘immense responsibility’ becoming the first Black and queer female superhero on TV. 

The actress, who is bisexual, took over the leather suit and cape from Ruby Rose following her exit from the series last year – and is immediately thrown into the action as Ryan Wilder, who finds the batsuit amid the wreckage of a plane supposedly containing Kate Kane. 

Ahead of season two’s debut on E4 tonight, reflected on the first time she ever wore the iconic outfit, and how it represents to her more than a comic book character. 

Speaking to Metro.co.uk and other outlets, Javicia explained: ‘The first time I put the suit on, you automatically feel this immense amount of responsibility. 

‘The moment you put it on, the moment you see that bat symbol across your chest, you know that no matter who you are, no matter where you’re from, a person sees that as a superhero. 

‘A person sees that symbol and knows that it represents a superhero. It represents good. It represents what’s right, it represents selflessness.

‘I remember the first day I put it on. I was just like, “Oh wow, okay. This is real.” I remember the first time I went into the Batcave, and I looked around and I got emotional because I knew no person of color had done this yet, had been able to wear the Batsuit in the Batcave. 

‘That’s epic. It’s a journey that just represents so many people and it’s so needed right now.’ 

As the new leading lady, viewers in the States have welcomed the new arrival, which is more than can be said of the experience of her character, with Wonderland Gang crime boss Alice (real name Beth, Kate’s sister), who has a history with Ryan.

She’s the first Black woman to wear the iconic cape and outfit, and while it’s not lost on her, Javicia said she hoped people can look beyond skin colour and that the character can move representation along in Hollywood as a whole. 

‘I think at the time of the casting, it was like this breath of fresh air,’ she continued. ‘I’m so happy that we have something light to grab on to, even for a second, amongst a lot of darkness. 

‘But here’s the thing – I always say this, I wake up Black, I go to sleep Black – this isn’t something I just put on for the day. I’m used to being Black and I just look forward to our entertainment being used to seeing this type of representation.’

‘I’m so honoured that I’m a part of this journey but I’m really excited for WB and for DC to be so brave to start this journey and to start it with such an epic franchise like the Batman/Batwoman franchise,’ she concluded. 

Batwoman starts tonight at 8pm on E4.

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