Gina Carano, fired from The Mandalorian in 2021 for controversial social media posts, has reached a settlement with Disney and Lucasfilm, resolving her federal lawsuit alleging wrongful termination and sex discrimination. Announced on August 7, 2025, the agreement concludes a high-profile dispute, with undisclosed terms but optimism from both sides about future collaborations, potentially signaling Carano’s return to the Star Wars universe.
Carano’s lawsuit, filed in February 2024 in California federal court, alleged that Disney and Lucasfilm unfairly targeted her for expressing right-wing political views on social media. The complaint centered on a February 2021 Instagram post, which she later deleted, that drew widespread criticism and prompted Lucasfilm to label her statements “abhorrent and unacceptable” for denigrating people based on their cultural and religious identities. Carano argued that her termination was discriminatory, pointing out that male co-stars, such as Pedro Pascal, faced no repercussions for posting politically charged content, including a 2017 post comparing former President Donald Trump to Hitler.
The complaint detailed Disney’s alleged demands for Carano to issue a public apology and meet with representatives from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Discrimination (GLAAD) and 45 Lucasfilm employees who identify as LGBTQ+, demands she refused, asserting she had not mocked or insulted any group. Carano further claimed a “post-termination smear campaign,” citing the temporary removal of an episode of Running Wild With Bear Grylls featuring her from Disney’s scheduled lineup.
The lawsuit sought at least $75,000 in damages, reinstatement as Cara Dune, and compensation for lost income and emotional distress, alleging that her agency, UTA, and transactional lawyer dropped her as a client, severely impacting her career. Additionally, Carano’s complaint accused Disney of violating California labor codes by punishing her for her political beliefs and failing to provide a workplace free of discrimination based on sex and political activities.
Disney and Lucasfilm moved to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing their First Amendment rights allowed them to disassociate from Carano’s views, which they claimed conflicted with the Star Wars franchise’s values of respect, integrity, and inclusion. Disney’s attorney, Daniel Petrocelli, stated in a June 2024 hearing, “The messenger is part of the message,” emphasizing that Carano’s public statements could alienate fans. However, U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett denied the dismissal motion in July 2024, allowing the case to proceed toward a potential February 2026 trial, prompting the eventual settlement.
Lucasfilm’s statement on August 7, 2025, praised Carano’s professionalism: “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. With this lawsuit concluded, we look forward to identifying opportunities to work together with Ms. Carano in the near future.” The settlement aligns with the upcoming The Mandalorian and Grogu film, set for release in summer 2026, starring Pedro Pascal and Sigourney Weaver, raising questions about Carano’s potential return to the franchise
The lawsuit’s impact on The Mandalorian was addressed by executive producer Rick Famuyiwa in February 2023, who told Deadline, “Cara was a big part and continues as a character to be part of the world. It had to be addressed in the creative, and [Jon Favreau] took the time to think about that. It was something that was discussed as we knew it was going to have impact on the show, but at the same time, what has been at the heart of the show are the two characters — Din Djarin and Grogu — so ultimately it felt like a servicing of that, and around the Mandalorians.”
Carano, whose lawsuit was backed by Elon Musk and X, expressed gratitude in her August 7, 2025, statement on X:
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. From my heart to yours, Gina
