Ruby Rose was literally allergic to playing Batwoman: ‘My face was in hives’

Ruby Rose as Batwoman

Ruby Rose was literally allergic to playing Batwoman, revealing it left her in “hives” with a “messed up throat”.

Rose quit Batwoman in May last year, stunning fans by announcing her departure from the superhero show after a single season.

The actor blazed a trail with her role on the CW show, playing out-and-proud vigilante Kate Kane, who takes on the titular superhero mantle.

Rumours have abounded about why Rose quit the show and the actor remained vague, although later described the role as “taxing” and said she had to have surgery during filming due to an on-set back injury.

Now she has added another reason to list, revealing that she was literally allergic to the role. Or, more specifically, the latex in her costume.

According to the Independent, the actor said during a recent appearance on the Sydney radio station KIIS 106.5: “I did find out that I was allergic to latex. Unfortunately, my mask is latex.

“I was getting worse and worse, because as you get more contact with it, I guess you get more reactions.

“I took off the [mask] at the end, and my face was just hives. My throat was all messed up.

“It was like it was out of a scary movie.”

Javicia Leslie picked up the Batwoman cape from Ruby Rose.

After Ruby Rose left the show in 2020, the role was taken up by actor Javicia Leslie, who was cast as the first-ever Black Batwoman.

(Nino Muñoz/The CW)

Batwoman refocused on a new protagonist, Ryan Wilder, and the part of Kate Kane was recast, with Wallis Day stepping to portray a hugely altered version of the character.

When she was cast, Leslie told Variety in a statement: “I am extremely proud to be the first Black actress to play the iconic role of Batwoman on television, and as a bisexual woman, I am honoured to join this groundbreaking show which has been such a trailblazer for the LGBT+ community.”