Gina Caranoand Disney’s long-standing feud has seemingly come to an end as the studio has decided to settle the lawsuit with the actress. In February 2024, Carano filed a lawsuit against Lucasfilm following the company’s decision to fire her in 2021 fromThe Mandalorianafter the actress made a controversial series of posts on social media spreading misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic and false information about the validity of the 2020 election. Carano alleged wrongful termination and sexism in Lucasfilm’s decision to remove her from her role as Cara Dune inThe Mandalorian, saying she was fired for expressing her conservative beliefs, which was not something her male co-stars had to worry about for expressing liberal beliefs.
Even thoughDisney looked to have the case dismissed, its efforts were denied. According toThe Hollywood Reporter, both Lucasfilm and Gina Carano have come to an agreement, though the terms of the agreement have not yet been made public. Disney released a statement regarding the settlement saying:
“With this lawsuit concluded, we look forward to identifying opportunities to work together with Ms. Carano in the near future. We have reached an agreement with Gina Carano to resolve the issues in her pending lawsuit against the companies. Ms. Carano was always well respected by her directors, co-stars, and staff, and she worked hard to perfect her craft while treating her colleagues with kindness and respect.”
Gina Carono Thanked Elon Musk in Her Statement
Carano released her own memo, particularlythanking Elon Musk, who personally paid for her legal funds since the post was made through the social media platform X (and Musk himself has been known to try to court favor with conservative and anti-woke crowds). Carano’s statement reads:
I have come to an agreement with Disney/Lucasfilm which I believe is the best outcome for all parties involved. I hope this brings some healing to the force.
I want to extend my deepest most heartfelt gratitude to Elon Musk, a man I’ve never met, who did this Good Samaritan deed for me in funding my lawsuit. Thank you Mr. Musk and X for backing my case and asking for nothing in return.
To my lawyers at Schaerr|Jaffe who walked me through this unknown territory, thank you for your wisdom and guidance.
I am humbled and grateful to God for His love and grace in this outcome.
I’d like to thank you all for your unrelenting support throughout my life and career, you’ve been the heartbeat that has kept my story alive. I hope to make you proud. I am excited to flip the page and move onto the next chapter. My desires remain in the arts, which is where I hope you will join me.
Yes, I’m smiling.
Carano was first introduced in the first season ofThe Mandalorianas Cara Dune, a former Rebel shock trooper who becomes an ally to the lead character, Din Djarrin. Cara Dune was set to be thelead in the spin-off seriesRangers of the New Republic, with those seeds being planted inThe MandalorianSeason 2. However,Carano’s controversial tweets, particularly those mocking the use of pronouns and comparing Republicans to being Jewish during the Holocaust, led to Disney and Lucasfilm severing ties with her. She tweeted herself out of a job, andThe MandalorianSeason 3 sidesteps the issue by sayingCara Dune is off-planet.
The news of the settlement with Gina Carano is likely going to divide many, with her future return toStar Warscertainly doubtful. The statement by Disney notably says, “We look forward to identifying opportunities to work together with Ms. Carano in the near future.” This seems like a polite, lawful way of saying they won’t refuse Gina Carano, but also aren’t going to go out of their way to bring her back. Even with the lawsuit settled, don’t expect to see Carano appearing inThe Mandalorian & Grogu, or otherStar Wars-related series likeAhsoka.
