Gina Carano has officially won her lawsuit against Disney, reaching a settlement that ends her high-profile legal battle over being fired from The Mandalorian in 2021.
The result is a big win for the former MMA fighter and conservative actress, and possibly even signals a potential return to the Star Wars universe.
Settlement Reached Before Trial
A joint court filing confirmed that Carano and Disney/Lucasfilm agreed to dismiss the lawsuit “with prejudice,” meaning it cannot be refiled. The court document was brief but clear, signaling the end of the dispute ahead of the September trial.
While the terms of the settlement remain sealed, both sides are publicly presenting a united front. Disney released a statement Thursday to the trades that took a markedly different tone than their stance in 2021:
“The Walt Disney Company and Lucasfilm are pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with Gina Carano to resolve the issues in her pending lawsuit against the companies. 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.”
Worth emphasizing is that Disney specifically states: “With this lawsuit concluded, we look forward to identifying opportunities to work together with Ms. Carano in the near future.”
Carano’s Response
Carano posted on X earlier in the day, saying “… and the truth shall set you free,” before later issuing a formal statement confirming the settlement, where she also thanked Elon Musk and the X platform for funding her lawsuit:
… and the truth shall set you free. 😊🫶
— Gina Carano 🕯 (@ginacarano) August 7, 2025
Via THR:
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.
Disney’s Reversal
The corporate tone of Disney’s response is a full reversal from 2021 when Disney and Lucasfilm publicly condemned Carano’s social media posts and said she would not return. One post, in particular, compared the political persecution of conservatives to the treatment of Jews during the Holocaust, sparking intense backlash which led to her dismissal.
In her lawsuit, Carano argued that she was targeted for her conservative views, while progressive political posts by Mandalorian lead Pedro Pascal and others were overlooked. She claimed Disney “harassed and defamed” her and violated her First Amendment rights. The court had previously rejected Disney’s motion to dismiss the case, paving the way for a trial, which was going to start in September. Disney opted to settle.
Carano’s case was funded by Musk, who pledged to support individuals fired over social media activity. Carano was one of the first high-profile examples of that promise in action.
A Potential Return to Star Wars?
Now that the lawsuit is behind her, Carano says she’s ready to return to creative work. Whether that includes Star Wars remains to be seen, but Deadline is seemingly suggesting it’s going to happen, and per what Disney says above, it sounds like it could happen. Prior to being fired, it was said Carano was supposed to star in the Star Wars series , Rangers of the New Republic.
Via Deadline:
Will Carano be part of the California filming Mandalorian movie? Will she get ” already promised” roles in new Star Wars series and other full length feature films from the franchise?
Might not be the Force, might not be the way (as the Mandalorians say), but we will likely know the truth in due time.
