Goodbye, Cara Dune: 'Star Wars' Replaces Beloved Character With New Actress

After six years away from theaters, Star Wars is finally heading back to the big screen. Lucasfilm has now released the first trailer for The Mandalorian & Grogu, the feature-length continuation of Disney+’s The Mandalorian (2019). Opening in theaters on May 22, 2026, it’s the first time the Star Wars franchise has adapted one of its TV shows for cinemas.

The film picks up after the events of Season 3, with Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu now working for the New Republic. StarWars.com outlines the new story: “The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu (as himself).” Watch the official trailer for the film below:

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But many familiar allies seemingly won’t be joining them — at least not going by the confirmed cast list (Sigourney Weaver, Jeremy Allen White, Jonny Coyne, and Pedro Pascal) — which looks a bit of a skeleton crew (no pun intended).

Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito), The Armorer (Emily Swallow), Peli Motto (Amy Sedaris), IG-11 (Taika Waititi), and even Bo-Katan Kryze are missing from the film (or at least the trailer and the cast). Katee Sackhoff, who played Bo-Katan in seasons two and three, has even said she’s struggled to find work since the show—another sign she isn’t in the movie.

Katee Sackhoff (on the right) as Bo-Katan Kryze (on the left) — Credit: Inside the Magic

Another Female Star Wars Character’s Uncertain Future

The most debated absence is of course Gina Carano’s Cara Dune. But that’s hardly a surprise. Carano was fired in 2021 after sharing controversial social media posts. Dune was quickly written out of the story—explained in Season 3 by Greef Karga (the late Carl Weathers) as having been “recruited by special forces.”

Carano later filed a wrongful termination lawsuit and recently reached a settlement with Disney, reigniting speculation about whether she could return to Star Wars. Still, Lucasfilm scrapped her planned spinoff series Rangers of the New Republic and there are currently no known plans to bring her back into the fold.

Three armored warriors, including a woman aiming a blaster, charge forward inside a futuristic corridor aglow with vertical lights. Two wear helmets—one reminiscent of the Mandalorian & Grogu era—while the woman’s face is visible, intense and determined. — Credit: Lucasfilm

But that doesn’t necessarily mean the character’s story is over. In a franchise where characters thrive in video games, comics, and animated shows, Dune could resurface in another format without needing Carano to lead a comeback.

Sigourney Weaver Joins the Star Wars Galaxy

At the same time, The Mandalorian & Grogu introduces a new Ranger of the New Republic. Hollywood legend Sigourney Weaver—known of course for Alien (1979) and Ghostbusters (1984)—plays Colonel Ward, a leader of the Adelphi Rangers and former Rebel pilot. In the trailer, Din Djarin and Grogu meet with her, seemingly negotiating for their next mission.

Sigourney Weaver in 'The Mandalorian & Grogu' — Credit: Lucasfilm

While not a direct “replacement,” Weaver’s role clearly fills the void left by Carano’s departure. Until now her character had been kept under wraps, making this reveal one of the trailer’s biggest surprises.

The Mandalorian & Grogu premieres May 22, 2026.

What do you think of this new trailer? Let us know in the comments!