Sigourney Weaver on Grogu's Charm at Star Wars Celebration

Sigourney Weaver's presence at Star Wars Celebration 2025 for the *The Mandalorian & Grogu* panel was a highlight for fans, and IGN had the opportunity to delve into her new role in the upcoming film. Weaver discussed her character, her surprising lack of familiarity with *The Mandalorian* prior to her casting, her affection for Grogu, and even playfully compared Grogu's power to that of a Xenomorph. Set for a theatrical release on May 22, 2026, *The Mandalorian & Grogu* promises to be a thrilling addition to the Star Wars saga, and this interview offers fans a glimpse into what they can expect.

**IGN:** Sigourney, thank you so much for joining us! We were thrilled to see your character in the *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, and she's dedicated to safeguarding the New Republic. Her duties take her to the Outer Rim, where remnants of the Empire still linger, making her collaboration with the Mandalorian and Grogu 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:** Grogu is incredibly mischievous, which comes as no surprise. Working with him was delightful because, despite the presence of multiple puppeteers, my focus was entirely on Grogu. He truly felt real to me.

**IGN:** You’ve worked with a variety of aliens throughout your career, from Xenomorphs to Na’vi. How does working with Grogu compare to those experiences?

**Weaver:** Grogu is undeniably the cutest of the bunch. While Xenomorphs and other creatures have their place, Grogu's charm is on another level—what the Japanese call *Kawaii*!

**IGN:** You mentioned during the panel that you hadn't seen *The Mandalorian* before starting work on this film. What was your experience like watching the series after joining the project?

**Weaver:** I was fortunate that Jon Favreau didn't pressure me to watch it beforehand. Once I started, I was hooked by the engaging storytelling and the Western-inspired charm. It was a fantastic way to re-enter the Star Wars universe, with characters like Din Djarin and Grogu, and memorable antagonists like Werner Herzog, keeping me captivated throughout.

**IGN:** In the footage we saw, you and Grogu were sharing a scene where he used his Force powers to try to steal something. Can you tell us more about that?

**Weaver:** Yes, he was after a little bowl of my snacks! He used his Force gestures in an attempt to grab them, and I had to be quite assertive to get them back.

**IGN:** Do you get to witness the full extent of Grogu's Force powers in the movie?

**Weaver:** Grogu is always up to something. When I'm with him, I see him in more relaxed moments at our base, but it's clear he's evolving from a learner to a skilled apprentice. His growth is palpable and exciting to watch.

**IGN:** How did you come to be part of this project, and what's your overall experience with Star Wars, from the original films to now?

**Weaver:** Joining this project was a thrilling opportunity. Among the Star Wars films, *Rogue One* stands out to me, particularly because of Felicity Jones's character. It resonates with me as someone from the Rebellion's generation. Revisiting the older films felt like a trip back to my childhood, and it's incredible how Star Wars continues to evolve and welcome new audiences.

**IGN:** Final question: Who's more powerful, Grogu or a Xenomorph?

**Weaver:** I'm afraid it's the Xenomorph. Its nature is to take over and destroy, whereas Grogu, like Yoda, is aligned with goodness and not destruction.

**IGN:** And Grogu's cuteness might hinder his threat level, right?

**Weaver:** Absolutely. Though, if he had stayed with Werner Herzog, who knows what path he might have taken?