Gina Carano's ongoing legal battle following her termination from The Mandalorian has taken an intriguing turn with the revelation of a potential star-studded cast of witnesses that could be called to testify in her case. The list includes prominent figures such as Pedro Pascal, Jon Favreau, and former Disney chief executive Bob Chapek.
In a joint filing from Carano and Disney, the actress pointed to these individuals as potential witnesses in the upcoming trial, tentatively scheduled for September 25, 2025. The court document also highlighted key issues to be raised, including whether Carano was under contract at the time of her termination on February 10, 2021, and whether she was treated differently than her male co-stars.
Carano's lawsuit, filed in February, alleges that she was fired by Disney and Lucasfilm for expressing right-wing opinions on social media, while others who made offensive posts were allegedly not held to the same standard. The actress specifically referenced Pedro Pascal's past social media posts, including comparisons to former President Donald Trump and references to Germany's concentration camps.
Jon Favreau, the creator of The Mandalorian, is expected to testify on whether Disney had plans for a spinoff featuring Carano's character, Cara Dune. Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, and Lynne Hale, the engineer of the Star Wars publicity campaign, are also listed as potential witnesses.
Disney has pushed back on Carano's list of witnesses and indicated that it may call its own executives to testify, including Lucasfilm vice president Carrie Beck and Disney executive vice president of communications. The legal developments come after a federal judge rejected Disney's attempt to dismiss the lawsuit, allowing Carano's discrimination claims to proceed.
The case raises important questions about free speech, discrimination, and the handling of controversial views in the entertainment industry. With significant financial stakes involved, including potential losses of millions of dollars for Carano, the outcome of the trial could have far-reaching implications for both the actress and the broader entertainment landscape.
