Although Arrow has ended its run, The CW’s “Arrowverse” of DC superhero television shows isn’t slowing down. Heading into its second season, though, Batwoman faced an unprecedented hurdle among its peer series: recasting the titular protagonist after the departure of Ruby Rose, who had played Kate Kane in season one. Set against an unfolding mystery of Kate’s disappearance in a seemingly fatal plane crash, season two introduced Javicia Leslie as Ryan Wilder, who fortuitously acquires the Bat-suit at the scene of the wreck – and has to earn the confidence of Team Bat, as well as herself, before taking on the mantle of Batwoman.

The Batwoman panel for WonderCon@Home 2021 emphasized the character interactions and character arcs that have defined the opening eight episodes of the second season. Leslie described the story as a “journey of trust” between Ryan and Team Bat, and noted that it will continue for the remainder of the season. Leslie also commented, “I think our show has done such a great job of continuing to tie in last season to Ryan, who is this new character.” This has been true in several respects already – and will only increase with the revelation that Kate Kane, though so far only glimpsed with a heavily bandaged head, is still alive. Unsurprisingly, then, showrunner Caroline Dreis admitted that “It’s pure drama from here on out.”

The panelists also represented a level of diversity rarely seen on a major convention panel. They included four women of color (including the moderator) and a man of color (the only man among the seven participants), and several who identify as members of the LGBTQ community. Unfortunately, Batwoman is currently the only broadcast network series with a LGTBQ lead character, but Leslie has been enthusiastic in her pride at the representation offered by her character and series.

You can watch the entire panel on YouTube.

Batwoman Cast and Producer Q&A

Gotham has a new hero! On a personal journey that has taken her from fledgling substitute to confident Caped Crusader, from living in her van with her plant to chasing villains in the Batmobile, Ryan Wilder has become her own Batwoman. Series stars Javicia Leslie, Rachel Skarsten, Meagan Tandy, Nicole Kang, Camrus Johnson, and executive producer / showrunner Caroline Dries, for a revealing chat with TVLine.com’s staff editor, Keisha Hatchett, as well as a fun round of Batwoman-themed trivia and behind-the-scenes looks at the show’s costumes and the Batmobile! From Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, Batwoman airs Sundays at 8/7c on The CW.

B.J. Priester is executive editor at FANgirlblog and co-host of the Hyperspace Theories podcast.