After she abruptly quit CW’s Batwoman this week, Ruby Rose got back in the saddle with a new acting project.
The 34-year-old Australian star participated in a live reading of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night on Friday, just days after it was announced that she was hanging up her bat-cape for good.
Rose played the lead, Viola, in a Zoom recording of the classic play which was performed as part of the Acting For a Cause series to benefit the Entertainment Industry Foundation.
Doing her part: Ruby Rose participated in her first acting project since abruptly leaving Batwoman, a livestream production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, on Friday
On Thursday, Ruby had announced to fans on social media that she would be joining the digital play, making a passing reference to her recently departed CW show.
She wrote: ‘Hey guys tomorrow myself and a group of amazing people are doing a live read of Shakespeares ‘Twelfth Night’.’
‘We are raising money for charity. Tune in tomorrow! Plus you can see Nicole and I once again as scene partners yayyy’
The Nicole she referred to in the caption is actress Nicole Kang who plays Mary Hamilton on Batwoman.
Shakespeare: Rose played the lead, Viola, in a Zoom recording of the classic play which was performed as part of the Acting For a Cause series to benefit the Entertainment Industry Foundation
Along with Ruby and Nicole, several other talents joined the Shakespearean livestream including Brandon Thomas Lee (son of Tommy Lee and Pamela Anderson), Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Brando Crawford, Froy Gutierrez, Taylor Trensch, Will Roland and Ben Levi Ross.
During the recording, Ruby popped up in one of the small Zoom screens that have become all too commonplace during the coronavirus pandemic.
She was sported her colorful pixie cut which, back in April, she dyed half blue and half pink. Later in the production, she popped on a blonde wig.
Ruby wore a decidedly un-Shakespearean yet very chic ensemble of a black top and unstructured black blouse with a red and orange print.
Thesbians: Along with Ruby and Nicole, several other talents joined the Shakespearean livestream including Brandon Thomas Lee (son of Tommy Lee and Pamela Anderson), Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Brando Crawford, Froy Gutierrez, Taylor Trensch, Will Roland and Ben Levi Ross
‘Hey guys tomorrow myself and a group of amazing people are doing a live read of Shakespeares ‘Twelfth Night’ We are raising money for charity. Tune in tomorrow! Plus you can see Nicole and I once again as scene partners yayyy’
Worlds collide: Nicole Kang who plays Mary Hamilton on Batwoman was one of the actresses who also joined Ruby in the digital reading
Despite leaving her starring role as the caped crusader, Ruby seemed to be showing her former gig some love during the livestream.
There were not one but two bats on the wall behind her – one a small bat figurine and the other a frame photo of three Batman symbols.
Earlier this week, fans were shocked when The CW announced that Rose would be leaving Batwoman.
TV Line then reported on Thursday that the star’s shocking exit was not her sole decision but was more like a breakup.
Subtle: Despite leaving her starring role as the caped crusader, Ruby seemed to be showing her former gig some love during the livestream with her artwork
Sending a message: There were not one but two bats on the wall behind her – one a small bat figurine and the other a frame photo of three Batman symbols
An insider told the publication that she was distressed by the long hours demanded by a lead role.
The source also says that she did not enjoy living in Vancouver while shooting. They explained: ‘It wasn’t 100-percent her decision.
‘It was a breakup. She wasn’t happy working on the show, and did that make her fun to work with? No. So everyone decided it would be in the best interests of the show, and for all concerned, if they parted ways. It just wasn’t a good fit.’
The shocking departure news was revealed on Tuesday which was just days after The CW’s upfront presentation in New York and five months after the network renewed Batwoman for a second season.
Bye bye bat: Earlier this week, fans were shocked when The CW announced that Rose would be leaving Batwoman
Interesting: TV Line reported on Thursday that the 34-year-old Australian star’s shocking exit was not her sole decision but was more like a breakup, she is seen on the show with castmate Nicole Kang
The CW will move forward with plans for a second season as they look to recast the title character, according to Deadline.
The network also revealed last week that their lineup of original shows, including Batwoman, won’t debut until January 2021, giving them ample time to find a new star.
Rose was first cast as Batwoman back in August 2018, when she joined The CW as part of the massive Arrowverse crossover.
Batwoman kicked off its first season in October, with the first season including storylines where the superhero came out as a lesbian and sharing a kiss with Sophie Moore (Meagan Tandy), before the 20-episode season ended on Sunday.
‘I have made the very difficult decision to not return to Batwoman next season,’ Rose said in a statement. ‘This was not a decision I made lightly as I have the utmost respect for the cast, crew and everyone involved with the show in both Vancouver and in Los Angeles’
‘I have made the very difficult decision to not return to Batwoman next season,’ Rose said in a statement.
‘This was not a decision I made lightly as I have the utmost respect for the cast, crew and everyone involved with the show in both Vancouver and in Los Angeles,’ she added.
Executive producers Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter confirmed they were moving forward with re-casting the title role, and that they would bring in a member of the LGBTQ community for the role.
‘Warner Bros. Television, The CW and Berlanti Productions thank Ruby for her contributions to the success of our first season and wish her all the best,’ said a joint statement from Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television.
Recast: Executive producers Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter confirmed they were moving forward with re-casting the title role, and that they would bring in a member of the LGBTQ community for the role