Actress Gina Carano expressed her happiness on Thursday after Disney’s attempt to postpone the discovery phase in her wrongful termination lawsuit was rejected while it appeals an earlier ruling to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Recently, U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett denied Disney’s request for a stay of proceedings and an interlocutory appeal, as reported by Deadline. In a message posted on X, Carano, who initiated legal action against Disney and Lucasfilm three years following her termination from the “Star Wars” spinoff “The Mandalorian,” shared her relief that her case could continue after Disney’s effort to delay was turned down.
Carano, who stars in the DailyWire+ film “Terror on the Prairie,” took legal action against the entertainment powerhouse after they severed ties with her over what they considered “offensive” posts on social media. Her lawsuit was partially influenced by an offer from Elon Musk, who stated in August 2023 that X would cover the legal costs for anyone “unfairly treated by your employer due to posting or liking something on this platform.”
“After the Judge DENIED Disney’s request to DISMISS my case, Disney requested permission to immediately appeal that decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and delay all discovery while that appeal takes place,” Carano wrote. “Yesterday, October 16th, 2024 we learned that the Judge DENIED Disney’s unusual request.”
“I am obviously very pleased with the opportunity to keep moving forward with the judicial process and into discovery,” she noted. “While I wish this was not necessary as it is not my desire to be in this battle in court. I will not shrink away from it because it is hard or uncomfortable.”
Carano also expressed her gratitude, stating, “Again, a huge thanks to ALL of you who have shown me support daily, to my incredible lawyers and to Elon Musk @elonmusk and the people at @X for the opportunity in continuing this lawsuit and seeking justice.” She highlighted Musk’s financial backing in her statement and confidently declared, “Onward.”
The trial is set to commence on September 29, 2025.
In a ruling in July, Judge Garnett confirmed that Carano’s lawsuit could progress despite Disney’s legal team arguing for its dismissal based on First Amendment considerations. Disney contended that it has a “right not to associate with a high-profile performer on a high-profile show who’s imbuing” the “Star Wars” franchise with “views it disagrees with,” potentially alienating fans, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
As per Bloomberg, Carano’s lawsuit asserts that her dismissal was primarily due to her political views but also stemmed from Disney’s efforts to “deflect from criticisms” of Disney+ and the leadership of former CEO Bob Chapek. In response to the conflicting claims from Disney and Carano, Judge Garnett remarked, “Wouldn’t that suggest there’s a factual dispute as to why Disney actually terminated her?”
The lawsuit seeks to address Carano’s claims of wrongful termination, citing significant financial losses and calling for Lucasfilm to recast her role.
