Ruby Rose said she has made the “very difficult decision” to leave her role as Batwoman after one series.
The Australian actress, 34, was cast as the first openly gay superhero to lead a major TV show in 2018 and the first season aired last year.
A second instalment of Batwoman has already been given the green light by network The CW – but it will not feature Rose.
She said in a statement: “I have made the very difficult decision to not return to Batwoman next season.
“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.”
Rose, who is openly gay and also known for starring in Netflix series Orange Is The New Black and action film The Meg, thanked the cast and crew of Batwoman, adding: “Thank you to everyone who made season one a success – I am truly grateful.”
In a joint statement, The CW, Warner Bros Television and Berlanti Productions said they were “firmly committed” to Batwoman, confirming they would re-cast the role with another member of the LGBTQ community.
They said: “The studio and network are firmly committed to Batwoman’s second season and long-term future, and we — along with the show’s talented creative team — look forward to sharing its new direction, including the casting of a new lead actress and member of the LGBTQ community, in the coming months.”
Batwoman follows Kate Kane on her journey to become Gotham City’s new symbol of hope.
Speaking shortly after being cast, Rose said she was “thrilled and honoured” and “an emotional wreck” over the news, adding that as a young, gay person, she never felt represented on TV.
Batwoman airs on E4 in the UK.