Disney CEO Responds To Gina Carano's Firing From The Mandalorian

While little is known about the upcoming third season of The Mandalorian, including its release date, fans of the show still have much to talk about. The firing of actress Gina Carano, who played Cara Dune on the show, has become quite controversial, embroiling Disney and Lucasfilm in conversations related to the social politics of the day. 

The controversy stemmed from posts on Carano's social media accounts, including one in which the actress compared the plight of Jews in Nazi Germany to the political climate for conservatives today.

Carano has since spoken out about her firing, also announcing an upcoming project with conservative media company Daily Wire. Others have also chimed in, including actor Bill Burr, who appeared as Migs Mayfeld in both seasons of The Mandalorian.

Even so, some have been looking to Disney for further elaboration on this decision...

A DISNEY BLACKLIST?

During a call with Disney shareholders, CEO Bob Chapek was asked about the Carano situation, with one investor even suggesting the decision indicated new blacklist in the works at the company. Chapek responded by speaking to the core values of the Disney brand and positioning it as existing outside a traditional political framework:

I don't really see Disney as characterizing itself as left-leaning or right-leaning, yet instead standing for values. Values that are universal, values of respect, values of decency, values of integrity, and values of inclusion. And we seek to have not only how we operate, but the content that we make, reflective of the rich diversity of the world that we live in. And I think that's a world that we all should live in in harmony and peace.

CHAPEK'S VAGUE RESPONSE

It seems that even though Carano's firing is in the past, the controversy surrounding the decision is not. In this context, Chapek's statement makes perfect sense, addressing concerns while reiterating the values that the company seeks to uphold, like decency and inclusion.

Even so, instead of really addressing the question, Chapek chose more to sidestep and emphasize certain positive characteristics. This approach was likely taken in an attempt to not give the fiery question any more oxygen.

For Disney, Carano's statements were not only morally problematic but also contrary to the values central to the brand. Carano's refusal to slow down after previous posts addressing transgender issues in a derisive manner also likely demonstrated an unwillingness to cooperate with the brand, forcing the company's hand and ensuring her departure from the Star Wars franchise.

Although questions of this nature will likely continue to crop up, it seems Disney and the key faces of the company are doing the best they can to avoid engaging in the controversy.