Actress Gina Carano, fired from The Mandalorian after controversial comments on social media, has vowed to continue her lawsuit against Disney in light of what she describes as “mind blowing… disrespect.” Gina Carano made her Star Wars debut as Alderaanian shocktrooper Cara Dune in The Mandalorian season 2, but her contract with Disney abruptly ended in February 2021 as a result of controversial comments on social media. Carano is now taking the House of Mouse to court, with Disney invoking First Amendment rights to justify the decision and calling for the suit to be dismissed.

Carano’s lawyers have submitted a response to Disney (via Deadline), arguing against Disney’s position. Disney argued that artistic organizations have a right not to hire individuals whose political views would “significantly distract” from their own artistic message; Carano’s lawyers essentially insist that no such right exists under the First Amendment. In a public statement on Twitter, Carano slams Disney for the response:

“Just mind blowing the disrespect and lack of care for facts but sadly not surprising anymore. This behavior has become the norm.”

Carano’s Case Is Headed To Court

Gina Carano’s Disney lawsuit increasingly appears to hang on a matter of basic constitutional law; does Disney have the right to choose its actors based on whether publicly-expressed political views would, they believe, compromise their own message? Both sides of the debate appeal to the same previous cases to support their position, and it will be fascinating to see which perspective is proved correct. A hearing has been set for June 12 in DTLA before Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett.

There are other issues rumbling in the background, however, that may complicate decisions on this matter. Disney’s defense included the point that Carano’s contract was not terminated; she had only been hired for two seasons, and her contract was simply not renewed. In contrast, Carano’s response still refers to the “termination” of her contract. Only time – and the courts – will tell whether this is significant.

Whatever happens next, this case is likely to set the pattern for the next few years. Carano’s lawsuit is funded by Elon Musk, who has offered to pay the legal bills of anybody who believes they have been unfairly fired because of their political views. Should the case proceed, the outcome for The Mandalorian will set a precedent; if it is dismissed, then the arguments and debate will no doubt continue anyway.

Source: Deadline, Gina Carano