Sigourney Weaver played a significant role at the Star Wars Celebration 2025 during The Mandalorian & Grogu panel, and IGN had the opportunity to delve into her experience with her new character, her first impressions of the series, her affection for Grogu, and a playful comparison between Grogu and a Xenomorph.
The Mandalorian & Grogu is slated for a theatrical release on May 22, 2026. This interview aims to ease the anticipation and provide fans with deeper insights into one of the newest additions to the expansive Star Wars universe.
Sigourney Weaver at Star Wars Celebration 2025.
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 indeed wears a Rebel pilot uniform, reflecting her origins. She continues to serve the New Republic as a pilot, working diligently to protect it from the remnants of the Empire out in the Outer Rim. Her mission often requires the assistance of individuals like the Mandalorian and his loyal companion.
IGN: We heard that your love for Grogu was one of the reasons you decided to take on this role, so what was it like to actually work with him?
Weaver: Grogu is incredibly mischievous, which I'm sure comes as no surprise. Working with him was unique because, despite the presence of multiple puppeteers, all I could see was Grogu himself. He's so believable that I still think of him as real.
IGN: You’ve worked with various alien species throughout your career, from Xenomorphs to Na'vi. How did working with those compare to working with Grogu?
Weaver: Grogu is undoubtedly the cutest. While Xenomorphs and other creatures might be on one end of the spectrum, Grogu is far on the other, embodying what the Japanese call 'Kawaii.'
**IGN:** You mentioned during the panel that you hadn't seen The Mandalorian before starting this project. What was it like finally watching all those episodes?Weaver: I feel incredibly fortunate because Jon Favreau didn't pressure me to watch the series beforehand. I was just excited to work with him on a Star Wars project. From the very first episode, I was captivated by the concept—a classic Western with a few surprises. It's a charming standalone story that allowed me to reconnect with the Star Wars universe in a fresh way. Din Djarin and Grogu are wonderful characters, and the villains, like Werner Herzog, add so much depth. I was constantly on edge wondering what Herzog's character would do to Grogu.
IGN: Looking forward, we saw you sharing a scene with Grogu in the footage from this morning. It seemed like he was using his Force powers to try to steal a dish of food from you?
Weaver: Yes, he was trying to swipe my little bowl of snacks using his Force gestures. I had to be quite firm to get them back.
IGN: Do you get to see Grogu use his Force powers extensively in this movie?
Weaver: Grogu is always up to something. When I'm around him, I see him in more relaxed moments at our base. However, it's clear he's transitioning from a learner to someone with significant skills. He's now truly an apprentice, and it's exciting to see his development from the series.
IGN: Can you share how you came to this project and your general experience with Star Wars, dating back to the original films? Do you have a favorite movie from the series?
Weaver: My favorite is Rogue One. I really connected with Felicity Jones's character, and it resonated with me as a member of The Rebellion. Seeing the other films again felt like revisiting my childhood. Star Wars has a way of drawing everyone back in, no matter where they started.
IGN: Last question. Who do you think is the most powerful being in the universe—Grogu or a Xenomorph?
Weaver: I'm afraid it's the Xenomorph. They have an uncontrollable drive to dominate and destroy. Yoda, and by extension Grogu, are wise beings focused on good, not destruction. Grogu's too cute to be truly threatening.
IGN: And if he had stayed with Werner Herzog, do you think he might have turned out differently?
Weaver: With someone like Werner Herzog, who knows what path Grogu might have taken?
