‘Mandalorian’ Star Gina Carano Shares Why She Thought She Would Be A Wookie
The latest episode of "The Mandalorian," the character of the rebel shock trooper Cara Dune was introduced. Former MMA fighter, Gina Carano, plays the role.
For a brief moment, Carano's character joined forces with Pedro Pascal's Mandalorian to defend a village of farmers that has been threatened by Klaatooinian raiders.
It is Carano's first big on-screen role that truly put her distinct blend of sweet and tough personality to good use. The life of the MMA fighter has always been about building up her physical toughness, and she never thought she would end up with the role.
Carano opened up about her role in the show during an interview with Vanity Fair's podcast "Still Watching."
The 37-year-old actress and TV personality was convinced that a woman like her would have to be in a Wookie suit first. The action-packed show set in a galaxy far far away would require her to look good as a female Chewbacca -- at least that was what she thought of when she got a call to join "The Mandalorian."
Carano In A Wookie Suit?
Gina Carano, during the interview, admitted that she convinced herself to wear the fur outfit as she could be called to be the female version of the Chewbacca.
When she learned that she would actually be playing a "human" role and that people were actually going to see her face on the screen, Gina admitted feeling a bit incredible.
Hinting on how her character will develop in the future, Carano revealed that there might be times when her face would be the only one people would see on the screen. She thought the idea of it was amazing.
Fans of Cara Dune will have something to look forward to. Despite being left behind by the Mandalorian to peacefully settle with spotchka in Sorgan this week, Carano's character will return. In truth, Carano is already filming Season 2 of "The Mandalorian."
"The Mandalorian" creator Jon Favreau wrote Cara Dune with the former MMA star in mind.
Carano revealed that the creative team did not ask anyone else to audition for the role. It seemed that a perfect match of performer and character was made, and it immediately came through on the first episode. Her gentle persona and the display of her physical prowess were a perfect blend.
The first one to attempt to capitalize on Carano's potential was Steven Soderbergh in "Haywire." Her character in the movie kicked the ass of Hollywood's top leading men, including Channing Tatum, Ewan McGregor and Michael Fassbender.
Unfortunately, the direction of the movie failed to highlight the amazing personality that came with strength.
A Diamond In The Making
Finally, in "The Mandalorian," Carano will be defined by the beautiful mix of the character she plays.
Carano revealed that when she read about Cara Dune for the first time, she found out that they share a lot of things in common. The actress credited her ability to translate the script into beautiful scenes on the screen to the first director who handled her, Bryce Dallas Howard.
Gina admitted that some scenes took a number of takes and the director allowed her. She gave her the liberty to repeat the scenes until she gets it right. Carano recalled the director telling her, "Let's try it again" whenever she would feel that the actress did not feel good about the scene.
Whenever Gina felt like she could have done better, they would retake the scene. That is how she learned what was right enough for the role.
When asked about the concept that came with her costume, Carano said that she and Howard put their two cents on what can be done. They both wanted something that conveyed toughness, but they did not want to sacrifice femininity as well.
Carano worked closely with Howard to achieve the shoulders and the cinch in the waist to achieve that amazing silhouette.
In the end, Cara Dune is a character who looks tough enough to beat the odds, but still attractive enough to hopefully find love and peace.
"I would have worn a Chewbacca costume and I wouldn't mind," Carano said. Luckily for her supporters, she would not have to.
