Actress and MMA fighter Gina Carano made a big impact in the Star Wars Universe playing The Mandalorian's Cara Dune. The character was a hit with fans, and Lucasfilm made plans to put the former Rebel Shock Trooper front and centre in her own series, Rangers of the New Republic.
That all changed, however, following backlash to various social media posts from Carano. While she had never shied away from sharing her opinions online about various political and social issues, comments about the pandemic and other hot button issues led to Disney deciding to part ways with the actress. With that, Cara Dune toys started vanishing from stores, and spinoff plans were scrapped.
During a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Carano's The Mandalorian co-star, Bill Burr, was asked if he thinks her firing was fair. "No," he stated. "I thought it was funny that the liberals proved her point. They just use outrage because they don’t like your politics."
"As someone who considers himself liberal, it’s disappointing to see the left become how the right used to be when they went after the Dixie Chicks after they criticized George W. Bush. There’s not a lot of people like that — most are just trying not to get in trouble — but there’s this small collection of lunatics — either on the right or the left, at any given moment – that cause hysteria."
"And now there’s so many [media outlets] that want eyeballs, they make money off advertising, that they give attention to these crazy fringe people," the actor and comedian continued, sharing his honest take. "The whole thing with Gina: You can’t chime in when the shit’s happening, because then you cause static for other people on the [show]. That somebody’s opinion — or their political beliefs — makes people try to destroy their ability to make a living, it’s [frick]ing bizarre to me."
Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with Carano's opinions, Burr makes some compelling points here about cancel culture and how social media furore can effectively end someone's career. The actress has seemingly become persona non grata in Hollywood since her firing by Disney, but is now teaming up with Ben Shapiro to make movies under his independent film label.
As for Cara Dune, she's yet to be referenced in any recent Star Wars projects, so it's unclear what has become of the character (there are reportedly no plans to recast the role moving forward).