Gina Carano Draws Parallels Between Her Disney Lawsuit and Scarlett Johansson’s: “Now imagine if you aren’t SJ and you don’t have that star power to fight back”

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As a seasoned gamer and longtime fan of both the Star Wars universe and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I find myself torn between admiration for the tenacity displayed by Gina Carano and Scarlett Johansson, and concern over the treatment they’ve faced from Disney.

In recent years, Gina Carano has gained prominence for her portrayal of Cara Dune, a key figure in the initial two seasons of “The Mandalorian.” Originally, the production team had ambitious plans not only for the actress but also her character, such as a possible solo series.

After a string of contentious social media comments from Carano, such as equating anti-vaxxers with Jews, things began to change for her. Additionally, she touched on subjects that were at odds with contemporary values and Disney’s desired public image.

Tensions grew when Carano resisted sharing her pronouns in solidarity with the trans rights cause, leading to criticism. As a reaction, she put “boop/bop/beep” in her Twitter profile, stating it was not meant as mockery towards the trans community but rather an expression of her exasperation. However, Carano likened the phrase to R2-D2’s sounds, which resulted in widespread controversy.

Consequently, the media company chose not to extend Carano’s contract, thereby concluding her tenure and individual series. After being let go, she opted to file a lawsuit against Disney, with reports suggesting that Elon Musk was providing the financial backing for this legal action.

Lately, Carano has been back in the limelight because the court permitted her lawsuit to move forward, turning down Disney’s effort to throw it out. The judge decided that Disney doesn’t engage actors primarily to act as representatives or to maintain their public standing.

The legal case is progressing, with the possibility of a trial or an agreement on terms, and it’s worth noting that Carano has shown interest in rejoining the media firm in the past.

Lately, Carano shared on social platforms, making a connection between her current legal dispute and Scarlett Johansson’s situation. Johansson, famously known for portraying Black Widow, took Disney to court during the pandemic. She claimed that Disney’s move to release the movie in both cinemas and Disney+ at an additional cost (Premier Access) simultaneously, breached her contract because her earnings were primarily tied to box office success.

The conflict intensified as Disney openly criticized Johansson, alleging she manipulated the COVID-19 crisis to elicit public empathy. They depicted her as selfish and indifferent, highlighting what they considered her thoughtless disregard for the severe and prolonged worldwide impact of the pandemic.

Eventually, Johansson won the court case. There’s chatter that she might be negotiating with Disney, potentially discussing a role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the future.

Scarlett Johansson discusses her legal disagreement with Disney. She refers to it as a demonstration of questionable decision-making and weak leadership. If one lacks the influence that Johansson has, facing such treatment would be even more challenging. Consider how other artists and crew members have experienced similar situations, not just limited to the arts.

— Gina Carano 🕯 (@ginacarano) August 10, 2024

Regarding both Carano and Johansson, they’ve faced public backlash, but their situations are distinct. Johansson’s case revolves around a breach of contract, as her agreement was violated by the media company. On the other hand, Carano wasn’t under an active contract with the company when she was “let go,” as it hadn’t been renewed. Yet, both women have suffered through defamatory campaigns, which unfortunately can occur when dealing with large corporations that possess strong public relations capabilities.

In a stiffer contest, Carano finds herself at a disadvantage with significantly less publicity and fewer resources available compared to Johansson. Her following of supporters is merely a small segment of what Johansson commands. Although I acknowledge the point Carano attempts to drive home, Johansson’s scenario was far more straightforward.

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2024-08-13 10:14