What Happened to Gina Carano? How the Former MMA Star and Disney Actress Was Fired Amid Jeffrey Epstein Controversy

Gina Carano, once a rising star in Disney's Star Wars universe, was fired from The Mandalorian in 2021 following a string of controversial social media posts, including one about Jeffrey Epstein.

The former MMA fighter's dismissal sparked debates on free speech and cancel culture. As of February 2026, Carano has settled her legal battle with Disney and is gearing up for an MMA comeback.

From Cage to Screen

Gina Carano was born in 1982 in Texas and began her combat sports career in Muay Thai, winning 12 of 14 fights. She transitioned to MMA in 2006, becoming one of the first women to gain mainstream recognition in the sport. Her undefeated streak of 7-0 led to a high-profile title fight against Cris Cyborg in 2009, which she lost, prompting her retirement from fighting.

Carano's athletic background opened doors in entertainment. She starred in the 2011 action thriller Haywire, directed by Steven Soderbergh, where she performed her own stunts. Roles in Fast & Furious 6 (2013) as Riley Hicks and Deadpool (2016) as Angel Dust followed, establishing her as an action star.

Her big break came in 2019 with The Mandalorian, playing Cara Dune. The character became a fan favourite, and there were plans for a Rangers of the New Republic spin-off. However, Carano's online activity soon overshadowed her success.

The Posts That Sparked Outrage

Carano's social media activity drew criticism starting in 2020. She mocked mask-wearing during the Covid-19 pandemic and questioned the 2020 US election results, suggesting voter fraud. Earlier, in August, she tweeted a photo from a Nazi rally, explaining it as a story of resistance; critics accused her of insensitivity.

In September, she added 'beep/bop/boop' to her X bio, seen by some as mocking transgender pronouns. She later explained it wasn't her intent and removed it after speaking with co-star Pedro Pascal. In November, she shared memes about election integrity and promoted alternative platforms like Parler. She also urged churches to reopen and joked about vaccines.

On 10 February 2021, Carano posted a meme stating 'Jeffrey Epstein didn't kill himself', alongside other content. The tipping point came with an Instagram post comparing the treatment of Republicans to Jews during the Holocaust: 'How is that any different from hating someone for their political views?'

Lucasfilm responded swiftly, stating her posts were 'abhorrent and unacceptable'. Carano was fired that day, and her agency dropped her. In a January interview, she said she stands against bullying and encourages conversations on differing opinions.

Legal Aftermath

In February 2024, Carano filed a lawsuit against Disney and Lucasfilm, alleging wrongful termination and sex discrimination. Backed financially by Elon Musk's X, she sought reinstatement or at least £54,957 ($75,000) in damages, claiming lost millions in earnings.

The suit argued Disney held her to different standards than male co-stars like Pascal, who posted controversial content without repercussion. Disney attempted to dismiss the case, arguing artistic freedom, but a judge denied the motion in 2024. The trial was scheduled for September 2025, but the parties settled in August 2025 for an undisclosed sum. Both sides expressed amicability, with Carano noting it was 'the best outcome for everyone involved'.

Five years after her firing, Carano is returning to her roots. On 17 February 2026, she announced a featherweight bout against Ronda Rousey on 16 May at Intuit Dome, streamed on Netflix and promoted by Jake Paul. In an X post, she wrote, 'Turn it up. So blessed. Looking forward to making this walk AGAIN!' This marks her first fight in 17 years, potentially reigniting her combat sports legacy.