Lucasfilm and the Walt Disney Company have reached a mutual agreement with Gina Carano to resolve her legal dispute over her firing from the television series 'The Mandalorian'. A Lucasfilm spokesperson confirmed the settlement in a statement to Variety, noting that Carano was always well respected by her directors, co-stars and staff, and that the companies look forward to identifying opportunities to work together with her in the near future.
Carano was dismissed from the show in 2021 following several controversial social media posts, including one that compared being a Republican to being Jewish during the Holocaust. She subsequently filed a lawsuit in California federal court in 2024, alleging wrongful termination and discrimination, and seeking at least $75,000 in punitive damages as well as reinstatement.
Disney had moved to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing it had a First Amendment right not to associate its artistic expression with Carano's speech. Carano countered that Disney had misrepresented her views and discriminated against her. The lawsuit was funded by Elon Musk, who had previously pledged to cover legal bills for people fired over their posts on his social media platform X.
In a statement on X following the settlement, Carano expressed gratitude to Musk and her legal team, calling the outcome the best for all parties involved. She wrote: '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.' She also thanked her supporters and indicated her desire to continue working in the arts.
