Gina Carano played Cara Dune in the first two seasons of The Mandalorian, but after making a few controversial statements, Lucasfilm ditched the actress. “Gina Carano is not currently employed by Lucasfilm and there are no plans for her to be in the future,” a Lucasfilm statement read. “Nevertheless, her social media posts denigrating people based on their cultural and religious identities are abhorrent and unacceptable.” It’s safe to say that Gina Carano won’t be returning for the third season of The Mandalorian, but what about Cara Dune?
The Mandalorian executive producer Rick Famuyiwa addressed Cara Dune’s status in The Mandalorian while speaking with Deadline. “Cara was a big part and continues as a character to be part of the world. It had to be addressed in the creative and [Jon Favreau] took the time to think about that,” Famuyiwa said. “It was something that was discussed as we knew it was going to have impact on the show, but at the same time, what has been at the heart of the show are the two characters — Din Djarin and Grogu — so ultimately it felt like a servicing of that, and around the Mandalorians.” So it sounds like Cara Dune won’t be killed, but will rather continue existing off-screen.
Dave Filoni added, “It’s a big galaxy and we have many characters in it — many characters are fighting for their screen time. We’ll just have to see as the season unfolds what the adventures are, but it’s a great character, someone who was vital to Din Djarin’s beginnings; we’ll see if he has evolved beyond that.” Filoni said that as the new season mainly deals with the Mandalorians and the Mandalorian saga, there’s not a lot of room for characters who don’t factor into that tale.
“The journeys of the Mandalorian through the Star Wars galaxy continue,” reads the official synopsis of the third season. “Once a lone bounty hunter, Din Djarin has reunited with Grogu. Meanwhile, the New Republic struggles to lead the galaxy away from its dark history. The Mandalorian will cross paths with old allies and make new enemies as he and Grogu continue their journey together.” The Mandalorian season 3 will debut on Disney+ on March 1st.