Politics

Everything you need to know about Disney firing Mandalorian star Gina Carano

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Many fans of Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian have petitioned Disney to rehire actor Gina Carano– who plays Cara Dune on the Star Wars show– after she was fired for posting a politically charged tweet that drew reference to the tyranny seen in the Third German Reich.

The former MMA fighter turned movie star Gina Carano, on February 9th, was fired by Disney for posting a tweet that argued, “the Nazi government made people’s own neighbors hate them simply for being Jewish,” then comparing this to modern American political polarization, continuing, “how is that any different from hating someone for their political views?” Despite the post being deleted by Wednesday, Carano was dismissed by Lucasfilm. However, this was not the first time Carano made a controversial political statement that Disney didn’t like. In fact, Lucasfilm told the Hollywood Reporter that they had been “looking for a reason to fire her for two months.” Despite the seemingly definitive stance taken by Lucasfilm, Star Wars fans have petitioned to have Carano rehired: a movement that, as of now, has over 36,000 signatures on change.org. 

Joining forces with Star Wars fans, many American conservative groups have vocalized support for Carano and use this petition to fight “cancel culture.” The petition reads: “Speak out. Disney needs to stop the trend of firing actors for controversial tweets, and just keep treating the fans to a great show. Rehire Gina Carano. Firing her isn’t justice.” In addition to petitions for Carano’s reinstatement, the conservative media outlet/studio led by Ben Shapiro– The Daily Wire– has since recruited Carano, organizing and funding a new production to be directed and created by Carano. Thus, it’s very unlikely– even if the petition were to go through– that Carano would be rehired or even want to be rehired by Disney. Carano, after announcing her partnership with the Daily Wire, said: “I cried out and my prayer was answered. I am sending out a direct message of hope to everyone living in fear of cancellation by the totalitarian mob. I have only just begun using my voice which is now freer than ever before, and I hope it inspires others to do the same. They can’t cancel us if we don’t let them.”

Since Carano’s termination, her social media following has surged by nearly 400,000, now at a number of 1.8M on her Instagram profile. Nonetheless, Carano’s political statements have gained her just as many enemies as they’ve gained her fans. 

While some have characterized Carano’s voice as “brave,” others have called her outspoken political tweets as “reckless” and/or “insensitive.” For the most part, conservatives, whether or not they agree with Carano’s statements, have criticized Disney’s reaction to her tweets, claiming that it’s a continuation of a perceived “cancel culture” of American conservatives. Meanwhile, many American liberals have criticized the other party: Gina Carano. Many liberals have claimed that Disney’s reaction was justified, seeing any action taken by Disney as “just” due to Disney being a private company as well as viewing Carano’s direct comparison to the Holocaust as “too far.” On the other hand, conservatives have defended Carano’s reference, claiming that many liberals are quick to make comparisons between modern politics and fascist regimes, insisting that conservatives and liberals are not held to the same standard of acceptable speech.

ARTICLE: CARSON WOLF

POLITICS EDITOR: CARSON CHOATE

PHOTO CREDITS: BLOODY ELBOW

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