Gina Carano Wins Again: Disney Airs Previously ‘Cancelled’ National Geographic Episode, Show Trends Worldwide

Lucasfilm and its parent company, Disney, may have tired of hearing from Gina Carano, but it’s clear from reaction to the actress’ Monday night appearance on “Running Wild with Bear Grylls” that audiences haven’t.

Industry insiders speculated that Disney had axed Carano from the NatGeo show the same way it did with “The Mandalorian” in February. As the Daily Wire previously reported, when three major TV schedule reporting services —TvMaze, EpGuides, and PremireDate —released episode lists for “Running Wild’s” sixth season, Carano’s already filmed outing was not among them.

But at some point, Disney, NatGeo’s parent company, must have had a change of heart, and Carano learned the show would air after all. The actress seemed surprised by the decision, tweeting on April 25, “Want to hear something cool? Just so happens you WILL be able to see my @beargrylls episode on @natgeo after all!! Bear is a real one. I’m so glad you’re going to get to see it. My heart is so full … #nevergiveup.”

As a former fitness model and MMA fighter, Carano was an ideal choice for the series that tests the survival skills of celebrities in a variety of outdoor environments. Last season saw “Captain Marvel” star Brie Larson navigating crocodile-infested swamps in Pearl Island, Panama, and “Magic Mike’s” Channing Tatum skydiving in Norway.

Carano’s episode takes place in the Italian Dolomite mountain range, where she treks across snowy peaks before her trip culminates in the largest rappel in the show’s history. “I’ve just been learning out loud in front of the world,” Carano said of the experience.

Viewers evidently appreciated getting the chance to see her education. Monday night, when her appearance aired, Carano’s fans made #GinaGoneWild one of the top trending hashtags on Twitter.

Carano retweeted one follower who said he “loved the fact that Gina was smiling all the way through, even when facing fears. There’s a message in that, climb the mountains & obstacles that life throws at you. Precious Episode!”

The fan enthusiasm bodes well for Carano’s plans to produce a feature film with the Daily Wire.

At the time the partnership was cemented, the actress called it a dream come true. “I cried out and my prayer was answered,” she tweeted before turning her attention to inspiring others. “I am sending out a direct message of hope to everyone living in fear of cancellation by the totalitarian mob,” she said. “I have only just begun using my voice which is now freer than ever before, and I hope it inspires others to do the same. They can’t cancel us if we don’t let them.”

Turns out when studios choose not to cancel, audiences tune in to show their appreciation.

Megan Basham (@megbasham) is the entertainment reporter for The Daily Wire. She’s a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic who was previously an entertainment editor and podcast co-host for World Magazine. 

The views expressed in this opinion piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

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