Gina Carano explains 'Star Wars' firing, saying she was 'cancelled' after controversial posts

Gina Carano has reflected on her exit from the Star Wars franchise, saying she was “cancelled” after being dropped from The Mandalorian following controversial social media posts.

The former mixed martial artist played Cara Dune in the Disney+ series before Lucasfilm cut ties with her in early 2021. Carano appeared in two seasons of The Mandalorian after joining the cast in 2019.

However, production companies ended their professional relationship with her after posts that included criticism of COVID-19 mask mandates, claims of election fraud in the 2020 presidential election, and a comparison between political tensions and historical persecution during Nazi Germany.

Lucasfilm later stated, “Gina Carano is not currently employed by Lucasfilm, and there are no plans for her to be in the future,” adding that her posts were “abhorrent and unacceptable.”

In later commentary, Carano described herself as having been “cancelled” and said she believed speaking out led to industry backlash. She later filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against Disney, which was funded by Elon Musk and settled in 2025.

Carano’s Star Wars character, Cara Dune, was introduced as a former Rebel shock trooper who later becomes marshal of Nevarro. After her departure, the character was written out of the main storyline in Season 3, with dialogue indicating she had joined New Republic special forces.

Alongside her entertainment career, Carano has returned to combat sports and recently faced Ronda Rousey in a bout held on May 16.

Both athletes are married to former fighters; Carano is married to Kevin Ross, a retired Muay Thai fighter, which she confirmed in a press conference where she said she had “moved up to Montana” and was married.

Carano told reporters, “I got married to my first and last love, Kevin Ross,” adding, “And it was the best thing I've ever done. And that's probably what people wanna know. So now you all know. I'm married.”

Carano also previously had a relationship with actor Henry Cavill, which ended in 2014.