The CW has given a pilot order to Batwoman, its groundbreaking DC drama project starring Ruby Rose. David Nutter (Game of Thrones, Arrow, The Flash) has been tapped to direct the pilot in consideration for next season.

Primetime-Panic Your Complete Guide to Pilots and Straight-to-Series orders See All

Nutter REX/Shutterstock

Based on its name recognition and pedigree, the project from Greg Berlanti’s Berlanti Productions, Warner Bros. Television and writer Caroline Dries emerged as an early standout immediately after the CW unveiled its development on the heels of announcing the Batwoman character’s appearance in the annual Arrow-verse crossover at the May upfronts. The project’s profile got even bigger once Orange Is the New Black‘s Ruby Rose was cast as Batwoman this past summer.

When Dries’ script came in strong last month, an early pilot pickup was considered imminent. By bringing in seasoned pilot director Nutter, the CW, Berlanti Prods. and WBTV are looking to replicate the success of the network’s flagship series, The Flash, which also shot a Nutter-helmed standalone pilot in addition to the title character appearing on existing CW DC series (at the time, there was just one, Arrow).

Photo: JSquared Photography/The CW

Batwoman marks the first gay lead character — male or female — of a live-action superhero series. In the CW’s drama based on the DC characters, she’s armed with a passion for social justice and a flair for speaking her mind, Kate Kane (Rose) 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.

Dries executive produces the Batwoman pilot alongside Nutter, Berlanti Prods.’ Berlanti and Sarah Schechter as well as former DC Entertainment president Geoff Johns via his new Mad Ghost Productions banner.

The CW’s DC crossover will re-air on the network starting next Monday.