Former Mandalorian star Gina Carano took to Instagram to pay tribute to her co-star, Carl Weathers, who passed away at the age of 76. Carano, who was not asked to return for the show’s third season following her controversial remarks comparing the divided state of the U.S. to Nazi Germany, revealed that Weathers had reached out to her after her dismissal.
In her heartfelt post, Carano expressed her gratitude for Weathers’ support during a difficult time. “He called me directly after I was fired,” she wrote. “I wasn’t in an emotional state where I could pick up the phone because of how upset I was, but we did end up speaking later on. He was gentle, and encouraging and didn’t want me to give up. He showed me he cared.”
Carano played the character of bounty hunter Cara Dune for two seasons on The Mandalorian, while Weathers portrayed Greef Karga, a bounty hunter agent-turned-High Magistrate of Nevarro. Weathers also directed nine episodes of the show and received a nomination for Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his work on the 2020 episode “Chapter 12: The Siege.”
Carano spoke fondly of her bond with Weathers on set, revealing that they had developed a close relationship during their time working together. “I bonded with him very closely on Mando season 1&2,” she shared. “Jon Favreau felt he would be a good mentor for me because we shared the athlete turned actor bond, so John had him direct my first episode in season 2 of Mando.”
The actress believed that if the planned spinoff series, Rangers of the New Republic, had come to fruition, Weathers would have directed her in even more episodes. “Jon F. was right, we were a great fit,” Carano stated.
Describing Weathers as a mentor, Carano emphasized the impact he had on her both professionally and personally. “He had a wonderful perspective of telling a story that can only come through his experience and wisdom that he shared with me to help make me shine,” she wrote. “I cherish those moments.”
Carano’s tribute to Weathers serves as a reminder of the strong bonds formed on the set of The Mandalorian and the impact that co-stars can have on each other’s lives. Despite the controversy surrounding her departure from the show, Carano’s words highlight the positive influence Weathers had on her and the lasting impression he left behind.
The full Instagram post can be read below, allowing fans to gain further insight into the special connection between Carano and Weathers:
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