According to The Hollywood Reporter, The CW is planning to expand its DC Universe content by adding a new TV series based on DC Comics’ new social justice-themed take on Batwoman — an “out lesbian” who is “armed with a passion for social justice and flair for speaking her mind.”
The CW is working with Greg Berlanti, producer of the network’s big DC hits “Arrow,” “The Flash” and “Legends of Tomorrow,” to bring DC Comics’ socially conscious vision for the female caped crusader to the small screen. THR describes DC’s new take on the iconic character:
Batwoman revolves around Kate Kane, who, armed with a passion for social justice and 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.
Batwoman was originally introduced in the ’50s as a potential love interest for Batman, but was phased out in the ’60s. When she was reintroduced in DC’s “New 52,” she was portrayed as a lesbian. The character’s increased emphasis on social justice follows DC Comic’s general embrace of a left-leaning political and social agenda.
A casting call for Kate Kane is expected “shortly,” THR reports; The CW plans to unveil her in December “fighting alongside The CW’s heroes.”
“The Vampire Diaries” producer and writer Caroline Dries will write and executive produce; Sarah Schechter and Geoff Johns are also slated to executive produce the series.
THR notes DC Comics is working to build its offerings in preparation for its own subscription digital platform scheduled to launch in August, which will include all of The CW’s DC series along with more original content, which Publishers Weekly described as including “live action films, animation, comics, and online shopping.”
DC is not alone in the comic book world in its embrace of the social justice agenda. Marvel has also promoted more progressive themes, though it has signaled recently that it might attempt to depoliticize its comics somewhat amid growing backlash among fans. As for Marvel’s massively successful films, in a recent interview, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige promised skeptical LGBT activists that the studio would bring more openly LGBT characters to the big screen.
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