At Star Wars Celebration 2025, Sigourney Weaver took the stage at The Mandalorian & Grogu panel, sparking excitement and anticipation for the upcoming film. In an exclusive interview with IGN, Weaver delved into her new character, her unexpected journey into the Star Wars universe, and her endearing connection with Grogu. Set for release on May 22, 2026, The Mandalorian & Grogu promises to be a thrilling addition to the Star Wars saga, and Weaver's insights offer a tantalizing glimpse into what fans can expect.
IGN: Sigourney, thank you so much for joining us! We were thrilled to see your character in The Mandalorian & Grogu panel, and it looks like she was wearing a Rebel pilot uniform? What can you tell us about your character at this point?
Sigourney Weaver: My character is indeed a pilot, sporting a Rebel uniform. She's dedicated to safeguarding the New Republic, particularly out in the Outer Rim where remnants of the Empire linger. Her mission aligns perfectly with the Mandalorian and his loyal companion, making for an exciting collaboration.
IGN: We heard that your love of Grogu was one of the reasons you decided to take on this role, so what was it like to actually work with him?
Weaver: Working with Grogu was an absolute delight. He's mischievous, as you'd expect, and despite the presence of multiple puppeteers, Grogu's charm and presence were unmistakable. It's easy to believe he's real.
IGN: You’ve worked with a lot of different kinds of aliens in your career, from Xenomorphs to Na’vi. What was it like working with those in comparison to Grogu?
Weaver: Grogu is in a league of his own when it comes to cuteness. While Xenomorphs and other aliens have their own allure, Grogu's endearing nature is unparalleled. It's what the Japanese call 'Kawaii'!
IGN: So, you said in the panel that you hadn't seen The Mandalorian before you started working on this. That means I have to ask, what was it like finally watching all those episodes?
Weaver: I feel incredibly fortunate. Jon Favreau didn't insist I watch the series before joining, which allowed me to experience it fresh. From the first episode, I was captivated by the Western-inspired narrative and the charming characters, especially Din Djarin and Grogu. It was a wonderful re-entry into the Star Wars universe, especially with compelling antagonists like Werner Herzog.
IGN: Love it. Now, looking forward, you're certainly in the footage that we saw this morning. We saw you sharing a scene with Grogu and him using his Force powers to try to steal… was it like a dish of food or something?
Weaver: Yes, he was after my little bowl of snacks. His Force gestures were quite amusing, but I managed to reclaim my treats, albeit with some effort.
IGN: Speaking of which, do you get to see Grogu use his Force powers in all their glory in this movie?
Weaver: Absolutely. Grogu's skills are evolving, transitioning from a learner to a more skilled apprentice. It's fascinating to witness his growth, especially in more relaxed settings at our home base.
IGN: I'm still very interested in how you came to this project and your experience with Star Wars in general, dating back to the very first movie. Going through all of what we've seen so far. Do you have a favorite movie from the series?
Weaver: My favorite is Rogue One. Felicity Jones's portrayal of Jyn Erso resonated deeply with me, representing the spirit of the Rebellion. Revisiting the series felt like a nostalgic journey back to my childhood, showcasing the universal appeal and expansive nature of Star Wars.
IGN: Last question. Who is the most powerful being in the universe? Grogu or a Xenomorph?
Weaver: As much as I adore Grogu, I'd have to say a Xenomorph. They're driven by an instinctual need to dominate and destroy, whereas Grogu, like Yoda, embodies wisdom and goodness. Plus, Grogu's just too cute to be truly threatening!
IGN: And he’s just too cute to be all that threatening, right?
Weaver: Absolutely, unless he had been influenced by someone like Werner Herzog, who knows what path he might have taken?
