The “Mando-verse” is currently at a crossroads. While Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau are busy bringing Din Djarin to theaters, a massive hole remains in their storytelling. That hole was originally meant to be filled by Star Wars: Rangers of the New Republic.
When the series was first announced in 2020, it was the “third pillar” of the New Republic era. It was intended to sit alongside The Mandalorian and Ahsoka. However, after Lucasfilm parted ways with Gina Carano in 2021, the project was quietly shelved.
Now that we are in 2026, the landscape has changed. Carano and Disney have reached a legal settlement. Lucasfilm even released a surprisingly warm statement about her professional conduct. With the legal drama behind them, the question is no longer “Can she return?” but “Should she?”
The Legal Settlement: A Path to Reconciliation?
In August 2025, the industry was stunned by the resolution of Carano’s wrongful termination suit. For years, the battle seemed destined for a messy trial. Instead, both parties agreed to move forward.
Lucasfilm’s official statement noted that they “look forward to identifying opportunities to work together with Ms. Carano in the near future.” This is a significant pivot from the “abhorrent” labels of 2021. It suggests that the bridge has been rebuilt… at least partially.
If Disney is willing to work with her again, the most logical place to start is the character fans already love. Cara Dune was a hero of the Rebellion and a Marshal of the New Republic. Her story was sadly left unfinished. It is a gaping hole in a new era of Star Wars storytelling, that was left dangling in front of our faces.
Does Star Wars: Rangers of the New Republic Still Matter?
With the success of The Mandalorian and to a certain extent Ahsoka, have they done enough to make a Rangers type show irrelevant? Would the show add value to the New Republic era of stories?
Many fans feel the narrative of The Mandalorian Season 3 suffered from the lack of a dedicated New Republic show. The plotlines involving “special forces” and the inner workings of the new government felt squeezed into other series.
Rangers of the New Republic was designed to ground the galaxy. It was going to show us how law and order worked after the Empire fell. Without Cara Dune, that perspective has been missing.
Could a revival of the show fix the current “Mando-verse” fatigue? Some argue that bringing back a familiar, battle-hardened character like Dune would provide the grit the franchise needs. Does it even matter if the Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu film bring in big numbers at the box office?
The Argument for Her Return
There are several reasons why a Gina Carano return makes sense for Lucasfilm in 2026:
- Character Continuity: Cara Dune was never killed off. She was simply “recruited by special forces” and ultimately never mentioned again. Bringing her back requires no complex retcons.
- Star Power: Despite the controversy, Carano remains a draw. Her upcoming Netflix fight against Ronda Rousey proves she still has a massive audience.
- Narrative Stakes: The New Republic era needs heroes who aren’t just Jedi. Having a “boots on the ground” soldier adds variety to the stories. Yes, the Mandalorian does a good job of that, but he also has Grogu (a Force user) with him.
The Challenges of a Comeback
However, the path back to a galaxy far, far away isn’t without its challenges. The Star Wars fandom remains deeply divided. Some fans have moved on and prefer new characters like Carson Teva. Others still feel the original controversy is too fresh. With the current air of political divisiveness, some fans may want nothing to do with her or the character again.
Furthermore, Lucasfilm has shifted its focus. They are now prioritizing theatrical releases over a high volume of Disney+ shows. If Rangers of the New Republic does happen, it might look very different than originally planned. It could be a limited series or even a feature film.
Is Recasting an Option?
I hate to even bring this one up. For years, rumors suggested Lucasfilm might simply recast Cara Dune. Names like Lucy Lawless were frequently brought up by fans. Yet, Lucasfilm chose not to go that route.
This decision suggests they recognized that Carano’s physicality and presence were unique to the role. Recasting a character after three years of absence might feel jarring. If Cara Dune returns, most fans agree it should be Carano in the boots.
On forums and social media, the debate continues to rage. Some believe Disney needs to “heal the Force” by bringing her back. They see it as a win for creative freedom and storytelling.
Others worry that her return would reignite the “culture wars” that have plagued the franchise. They argue that Star Wars needs to look forward, not backward. They want to see new stories that aren’t tied to past controversies.
What Could the Show Look Like Now?
If Lucasfilm greenlights the project today, it could bridge the gap between Ahsoka Season 2 and the upcoming Filoni movie, if that movie is still happening.
Imagine a series where Cara Dune leads a team of rangers to hunt down Imperial remnants like Grand Admiral Thrawn’s allies. It would be an action-heavy, procedural-style show. This “police procedural in space” was the original vision, and it still holds a lot of potential.
A Second Chance?
The settlement between Gina Carano and Disney was the first step. The second step is up to Disney and Dave Filoni.
Star Wars is a franchise built on the themes of redemption and second chances. If the company is serious about their statement of “looking forward to working together,” then Rangers of the New Republic is the perfect opportunity.
Whether you agree with her past comments or not, there is no denying that Cara Dune was a vital part of the New Republic era. Bringing her back could provide closure or a new beginning for the character, and a boost for the fans who have missed her.
As we wait for The Mandalorian and Grogu to hit theaters, the eyes of the galaxy are on Lucasfilm. Will they bring back the Marshal? Or will the Rangers remain a “what if” in Star Wars history?
What do you think? Should Cara Dune return to lead her own series? Leave your thoughts about this interesting dilemma in the comments section below!
