'Riverdale' Actress Vanessa Morgan Is In Consideration To Take Over The Role Of 'Batwoman'
There’s a new superhero in town! Riverdale actress Vanessa Morgan is being considered to take on the role of Batwoman in the hit CW series. The news comes just weeks after Australian star Ruby Rose announced her exit from the show.
On Riverdale, Morgan plays the role of Toni Topaz. In the past, the Canadian star has also appeared in The Shannara Chronicles, Finding Carter, Some Assembly Required, Saving Hope, and Degrassi: The Next Generation.
According to The Cinema Spot, Morgan’s next role could see her stepping into a catsuit. The 28-year-old is reportedly scheduled to audition and do a screen test alongside other series regulars in the near future.
Rose previously played the lead role of Kate Kane in the series but announced her exit after Batwoman was confirmed for a second season.
“It wasn’t an easy decision but those who know, know.. I didn’t want to not acknowledge everyone involved and how big this was for TV and for our community,” the Australian wrote in a statement on Instagram late last month.
“I have stayed silent because that’s my choice for now but know I adore you all. I’m sure next season will be amazing also.”
Rather than continue with the story of Kate Kane in season two, showrunner Caroline Dries announced at ATX Television Festival that a new character will be created, The Cinema Spot reports.
“I’m inventing a whole new character. In her past, she was inspired by Batwoman. She is going to take on the mantle and is completely maybe not the right person at the time to be doing it. That’s what makes it fun,” Dries said.
The new lead’s name will be Ryan Wilder, the showrunner also confirmed.
Back in May, Morgan called out Riverdale for sidelining Black characters in the series. "Tired of how black people are portrayed in Media, tired of us being portrayed as thugs, dangerous or angry scary people,” her statement reads.
"Tired of us also being used as side kick non dimensional characters to our white leads. Or only used in the ads for diversity but not actually in the show. It starts with the media."
The actress also recently clapped back at a fan for calling a fellow Black woman and former cast member of the series a “diva”.
Morgan is currently the only Black lead on Riverdale, and if she’s cast in Batwoman, The Cinema Spot reports that she won’t be returning as Toni Topaz.
Although Morgan is being eyed for the role, other actresses are welcome to audition. According to The Cinema Spot, the CW is in search of someone under 30 who “gets” Berlanti Productions and its culture.