Gina Carano was dropped from The Mandalorian after a series of social media comments sparked controversy, but the recent reveal of a new Cara Dune LEGO Minifigure raised some new questions. Now, some clarity has come from a LEGO designer, who definitively cleared the air on why the character still has a figurine modeled after Carano headed to stores.
In a since-deleted tweet (via Brick Fanatics), LEGO designer Samuel Johnson addressed folks on both sides of the Gina Carano controversy. In a short and sweet statement, the tweet cleared up exactly why there's more Cara Dune merchandise on the way from LEGO despite the news the actress was removed from The Mandalorian and a planned spinoff.
The LEGO Minifigure is a representation of the character, not the actress.
For anyone who thought Cara Dune's merch was a sign Gina Carano is headed back to Star Wars, it would appear at the very least the LEGO figurine is not an indicator of that. Ultimately the character was a part of the series, so it would make sense that LEGO and other merchandise may continue to reflect that.
The news arrived a couple of weeks after the report that Disney+ took Rangers of the New Republic out of active development. Though it was never explicitly confirmed, many speculated that Gina Carano's Cara Dune would be the lead of that series, which would explain why the series is currently out of active development. Disney is apparently still allowing merch of Dune to be made though, so what does that mean?
The recent moves would seemingly indicate Star Wars considered reintroducing Cara Dune with a new actress, but that chatter was squashed by a spokesperson for Disney back in February. Given the dialogue that has been sparked over an upcoming LEGO Minifigure for the character, I imagine that if similar incidents surface with any new piece of Cara Dune merchandise, Disney may take the character out of circulation.
The move wouldn't be surprising, especially considering Disney has reportedly made moves outside of Star Wars to disassociate the company and its brands with Gina Carano. Carano was originally slated to appear in a Season 6 episode of Running Wild With Bear Grylls, but her episode was scratched from the season. Carano has found support amidst her ousting from Disney and has found more projects and an increased social media following. It doesn't look like either side is anywhere close to being on good terms, so those hoping to see Carano back in Star Wars shouldn't hold their breath.
The Mandalorian Season 1 and 2 are available to stream on Disney+. Season 3 has been confirmed, but reportedly won't start filming until the end of the year. In the meantime, let's talk about some of the other big questions surrounding The Mandalorian, such as what did the series do with Boba Fett's cape?
