Like many of you, my wife and I have been watching “The Mandalorian” on Disney Plus. The character of Cara Dune was a favorite of ours, and it was unfortunate that due to the Actress’ exercise of her Twitter account, that character is unlikely to return.
Apart from reboots,
recasting does not seem to happen any longer. I would like to see Cara Dune
continue as a presence in the Star Wars universe, but outside of maybe comic
books or novels, it seems unlikely.
The worst part is that
this was completely avoidable.
Gina Carano had an ‘I
dare you to fire me’ attitude about the pressure mounting on Disney remove her
from “The Mandalorian” cast, seeming to double down on her unfortunate Twitter
content with each calling on the carpet. Each time pressure mounted, she
parroted the same tired line that others who have lost shows or roles for
similar social media behavior have used: “They’re censoring conservatives.”
Of course, her
comparison of being critiqued on social media for sharing false and debunked
theories to the treatment of Jews in Nazi Germany was the final straw, and so,
a beloved character has exited the series.
The sad part is that
she was so perfect for the role. Gina looked the part, and as a top-level
professional fighter, has the physicality that the role demanded. And she can
act!
While I strongly
disagree with her political stances, I was not among those pulling for her
ouster. Yes, I am sad to see her go.
Having said that, I
feel no sympathy for her.
This is 2021. Countless
public figures and indeed, ordinary folk, have seen their careers flushed down
the toilet over their behavior on social media. She had to have somebody
telling her to knock it off, and even if she didn’t, a celebrity has no excuse
for not understanding how their social media conduct can backfire.
This is a clear case of
the actress proverbially shooting herself in the foot with a proverbial shotgun.
Yes, this is a self-inflicted wound, not some cancel culture about
conservatives.
Perhaps she should
Somehow, John
Schneider, a conservative actor best known for playing Bo Duke, driver of an
orange 1969 Dodge Charger named "General Lee", with a giant
Confederate battle flag on the roof, manages to not alienate people, and
maintains an air of class.
I have no doubt that
Supergirl fans would have welcomed him had he appeared on that very liberal and
feminist show.
Clearly, Carano's
conservative views are not the problem.
I have nothing against
Carano, and I do wish her well. At the same time, I have no sympathy for
celebrities who cry foul when their misuse of social media bites them in the
proverbial behind.
