This week saw a huge shockwave sent through the Star Wars world, as Gina Carano, the actress behind Cara Dune in The Mandalorian, was fired from her role due to a series of controversial tweets.
The decision has led to widespread speculation as to what Disney will do with the character as she was supposedly intended for a major role in future Disney+ series. Some fans have advocated for the character to be scrapped altogether, many called for a recast, and a small number continued to support Carano by campaigning for her reinstatement.
However, Disney choose to handle the situation, it's sure to have a big impact on the future of the Star Wars Disney+ universe. Carano was set to play an integral role in the post- Return of the Jedi timeline which is currently being explored across The Mandalorian and its several upcoming spin-off series.
No official statement had yet been made regarding where Cara Dune would next surface, but with a third season for The Mandalorian set to film this year directly after The Book of Boba Fett , that's more than likely where she was next intended to appear.
Additionally, reports last year spread that Disney was eyeing the actress to lead her own series, which some believe was set to be Rangers of the New Republic .
It looks as if fans may finally have some of the answers they've been waiting for now, as a new report has revealed insider information regarding Disney's plans for the role.
GINA CARANO'S CARA DUNE TO BE RECAST
The Hollywood Reporter has published a report revealing behind-the-scenes details of Gina Carano's firing from her role of Cara Dune in The Mandalorian and other planned Star Wars series' in the same timeline.
The trade publication's inside sources say that Cara Dune is expected to be recast for future live-action appearances, primarily due to story purposes and merchandising for the Star Wars franchise. THR also notes that Carano was never intended to play a role in the next series coming to Disney+ this year, The Book of Boba Fett.
Update: The Hollywood Reporter has updated their article to add that one of their Lucasfilm sources has indicated Carano's character isn't expected to be recast for The Mandalorian .
IS RECASTING THE RIGHT MOVE FOR CARA DUNE?
Given the character was a major player in both seasons of The Mandalorian — and an all-around well-liked character — recasting seems like a smart move. Particularly as the character was more than likely intended to play a potential lead role in Rangers of the New Republic .
So, if Disney opted not to recast, and simply abandon the plans for the character, the series would have to be totally rewritten with a new protagonist or scrapped altogether.
In the days since the firing, several fan-favorite contenders have emerged to take over the role including Captain Marvel 's Brie Larson and Parks and Recreation' s Lucy Lawless.
Both of these actresses are very talented and could definitely be a good fit for the role, however, Lawless may be too old for the part which makes Larson a much more obvious choice.
It's likely to be some time before the House of Mouse makes an official statement on their future plans for the character.
But for now, the world of Star Wars will next be visited in live-action with The Book of Boba Fett which drops this December exclusively on Disney+.
