Mandalorian Star Gina Carano Thanks Elon Musk As She Settles Disney Lawsuit

Actor Gina Carano has publicly thanked Elon Musk after settling her high-profile lawsuit against Disney and Lucasfilm, which alleged she was wrongfully fired from The Mandalorian over her social media posts.

The lawsuit, funded by Musk’s X Corp, was dismissed this week after both sides reached an undisclosed agreement.

Newsweek contacted Disney and Lucasfilm for comment via email on Friday outside of regular working hours.

Why It Matters

Carano’s case became a lightning rod in the ongoing culture war debates over free speech, cancel culture, and corporate accountability. Her firing sparked outrage among conservative circles and highlighted the growing tension between Hollywood studios and politically outspoken talent.

Musk’s involvement marks a rare example of a tech billionaire using his company’s legal resources to challenge a major media corporation, a move that could embolden others who believe they’ve been unfairly “canceled.”

Carano issued a statement thanking Musk for backing her case and asking for “nothing in return.”

Musk has not commented directly since the dismissal, but previously said he would support anyone who was fired or mistreated for posting on X, as per the BBC.

What to Know

Carano filed her lawsuit in February 2024 with financial backing from X Corp’s Legal Defense Fund, which Musk launched to support individuals claiming they were discriminated against for their activity on his social media platform.

As reported by Newsweek, Carano was fired after she shared a post on social media that compared being a Republican today to the experience of Jewish people during the Holocaust.

The suit claimed Lucasfilm wrongfully terminated her after she posted the comments on X, formerly Twitter. Disney and Lucasfilm denied any wrongdoing.

Details of the settlement remain confidential, but the case was voluntarily dismissed on August 7 in a California court. Original court documents are available here.

As reported by The Associated Press, in the federal court filing, both sides agreed the case should be dismissed with prejudice, meaning it can’t be brought back to court. A judge still needs to approve the dismissal. The trial had been set to begin in Los Angeles next February.

In a statement posted to her X account on Thursday evening, Carano said: “I have come to an agreement with Disney/Lucasfilm which I believe is the best outcome for all parties involved. I hope this brings some healing to the force. I want to extend my deepest most heartfelt gratitude to Elon Musk, a man I’ve never met, who did this good Samaritan deed for me in funding my lawsuit. Thank you Mr. Musk and @X for backing my case and asking for nothing in return.”

Carano went on to thank her legal team, saying:

“To my lawyers at Schaerr|Jaffe who walked me through this unknown territory, thank you for your wisdom and guidance. I am humbled and grateful to God for His love and grace in this outcome. I’d like to thank you all for your unrelenting support throughout my life and career, you’ve been the heartbeat that has kept my story alive. I hope to make you proud. I am excited to flip the page and move onto the next chapter.

My desires remain in the arts, which is where I hope you will join me. Yes, I’m smiling. From my heart to yours, Gina.”

What People Are Saying

Lucasfilm said in a statement, as per The Associated Press: “Ms. Carano was always well respected by her directors, co-stars, and staff, and she worked hard to perfect her craft while treating her colleagues with kindness and respect. With this lawsuit concluded, we look forward to identifying opportunities to work together with Ms. Carano in the near future.”

What Happens Next

Experts say Musk’s legal fund may open the door to more lawsuits against major corporations, especially as debates around speech, platforms, and employment continue to escalate.