Sigourney Weaver played a significant role in the *The Mandalorian & Grogu* panel at Star Wars Celebration 2025, and IGN had the privilege of interviewing her about her new character, her initial unfamiliarity with the series, her affection for Grogu, and a playful comparison between Grogu and the Xenomorph. As fans eagerly await the theatrical release of *The Mandalorian & Grogu* on May 22, 2026, this interview offers a tantalizing glimpse into the newest addition to the 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, and she's actively involved in protecting the New Republic. She operates out in the Outer Rim, where remnants of the Empire still linger, and she relies on the help of the Mandalorian and his loyal companion.
IGN: We heard that your love of Grogu was one of the reasons you decided to take on this role. What was it like to actually work with him?
Weaver: Grogu is incredibly mischievous, which I'm sure won't surprise anyone. It was fascinating to see him in action, surrounded by several puppeteers who each controlled different aspects of his movements. Despite the puppeteers, all I saw was Grogu himself—he felt very real to me.
IGN: You’ve worked with a variety of aliens in your career, from Xenomorphs to Na’vi. How does working with Grogu compare?
Weaver: Grogu is definitely the cutest of the bunch. While Xenomorphs and other aliens might be on one end of the spectrum, Grogu is way over on the other—embodying what the Japanese call 'Kawaii'!
**IGN:** You mentioned in the panel that you hadn't seen *The Mandalorian* before starting this project. What was it like watching the episodes for the first time?Weaver: I feel incredibly fortunate because Jon Favreau didn't pressure me to watch the series beforehand. I was 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 surprising twists. It was a charming way for me to re-enter the Star Wars universe, which can be confusing with so many different projects. Din Djarin and Grogu are wonderful characters, and the villains, like Werner Herzog, added a thrilling element. I kept wondering what Herzog's character would do to Grogu—it was quite suspenseful.
IGN: In the footage we saw, you shared a scene with Grogu where he was trying to use his Force powers to steal some food from you. Can you tell us more about that?
Weaver: Yes, it was a little bowl of snacks that were mine, and Grogu was making his Force gestures to try and take them. I had to be quite assertive to get them back!
IGN: Do you get to see Grogu use his Force powers extensively in the movie?
Weaver: Grogu is always up to something, and whenever I'm around, I get to see his playful side at our home base. However, it's clear that he's transitioning from a learner to someone with genuine skills. He's now an apprentice, and you can see a significant difference from his portrayal in the series. It shows there's a way for everyone to engage with Star Wars, and it keeps evolving in exciting directions.
IGN: I'm curious about your journey to this project and your overall experience with Star Wars, starting from the very first movie. Do you have a favorite film from the series?
Weaver: Yes, Rogue One is my favorite. I loved Felicity Jones's character and felt a connection to the Rebellion, which resonates with my generation. Revisiting the other films was like a trip back to my childhood. Star Wars has a way of drawing everyone back in, and it keeps expanding in fascinating ways.
IGN: Finally, who do you think is the most powerful being in the universe—Grogu or a Xenomorph?
Weaver: I'm afraid it's a Xenomorph. They can't help but take over, destroy, and promote their species. Yoda, on the other hand, is too wise to engage in such destruction. He's on the side of good, and so is Grogu.
IGN: And Grogu is just too cute to be all that threatening, right?
Weaver: Well, if he had stayed with Werner Herzog, who knows what he might have become?
