Sigourney Weaver on Grogu's Charm at Star Wars Celebration

At Star Wars Celebration 2025, Sigourney Weaver made a significant impact during the panel for *The Mandalorian & Grogu*. IGN had the privilege of interviewing her about her new role, 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 bridge the gap until the movie's release and provide fans with insights into one of the newest additions 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 maybe 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 her role as a pilot, now dedicated to safeguarding the New Republic. She operates out in the Outer Rim, where remnants of the Empire still linger, making her collaboration with the Mandalorian and his loyal companion crucial.

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 delightful. He's incredibly mischievous, which I'm sure comes as no surprise. In every scene, multiple puppeteers were involved, yet my focus was solely on Grogu. He felt so real to me.

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 undoubtedly the cutest. While Xenomorphs and other creatures like Slimer are on one end of the spectrum, Grogu is on the other—purely in the realm of Kawaii, as they say in Japan!

Weaver: It was a fantastic experience. Jon Favreau didn't pressure me to watch the series, and I was excited to be part of a Star Wars project with him. From the very first episode, I was captivated by the concept—a modern Western with surprising elements. It was charming and a perfect way for me to re-enter the Star Wars universe, especially with its standalone yet expanding storyline. The characters, from Din Djarin to the villains like Werner Herzog, were compelling, and I was always on edge, wondering what would happen to Grogu.

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, it was a bowl of snacks that I was trying to enjoy, but Grogu used his Force powers to playfully try and steal them. I had to be quite assertive to get them back.

IGN: Speaking of which, do you get to see Grogu use his Force powers in all their glory in this movie?

Weaver: Absolutely. Grogu is always up to something, and I get to witness his skills when he's more relaxed at our base. It's clear he's transitioning from a learner to a skilled apprentice, which is quite different from what we saw in the series. It's a testament to the inclusivity of Star Wars, offering new pathways for everyone to engage with the saga.

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 really resonated with me, and as someone from the generation that views itself as part of the Rebellion, it felt fitting. Revisiting the other films was like a nostalgic journey back to my childhood. Star Wars continues to evolve, offering something for everyone.

IGN: Last question. Who is the most powerful being in the universe? Grogu or a Xenomorph?

Weaver: I'm afraid it's a Xenomorph. Their nature drives them to dominate and destroy, whereas Grogu, much like Yoda, embodies wisdom and goodness. He's simply too cute to be threatening.

IGN: Why do you think that is?

Weaver: Xenomorphs can't help but follow their destructive instincts. In contrast, Grogu, aligned with the light side of the Force, would never engage in such chaos. And, as you mentioned, his cuteness is disarming. Though, if he had stayed with someone like Werner Herzog, who knows what path he might have taken?