Sigourney Weaver on Grogu: Heart-Stealing Moments at Star Wars Celebration

Sigourney Weaver made a memorable appearance at Star Wars Celebration 2025 for The Mandalorian & Grogu panel, and IGN had the privilege of discussing her new role, her initial unfamiliarity with the series, her affection for Grogu, and a playful comparison between Grogu and a Xenomorph. The eagerly awaited film, The Mandalorian & Grogu, is scheduled for a theatrical release on May 22, 2026. This interview aims to ease the anticipation and offer a glimpse into Weaver's character in the expansive Star Wars universe.

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 sports a Rebel pilot uniform, reflecting her origins. She's now dedicated to safeguarding the New Republic, operating in the Outer Rim where remnants of the Empire still linger. Her mission aligns perfectly with the Mandalorian and his loyal companion, making their collaboration essential.

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 is no surprise. Despite the presence of multiple puppeteers, each responsible for different aspects of his movements, my focus was solely on Grogu. He felt utterly 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?

Weaver: Grogu is undoubtedly the cutest of them all. While Xenomorphs and other creatures might be on one end of the spectrum, Grogu is on the opposite, embodying the essence of 'Kawaii'—the Japanese term for cuteness.

IGN: So, you mentioned in the panel that you hadn't seen The Mandalorian before you started working on this. What was it like finally watching all those episodes?

Weaver: I felt incredibly fortunate that Jon Favreau didn't insist I watch the series beforehand. I was excited to join a Star Wars project and work with Jon. From the very first episode, I was captivated by the concept—a classic Western with unexpected twists. It was charming and a perfect reintroduction to the Star Wars universe, which can be confusing with its various projects. The story of Din Djarin and Grogu, alongside compelling villains like Werner Herzog, kept me hooked throughout.

IGN: Looking forward, you're featured in the footage we saw this morning. We saw you sharing a scene with Grogu, where he was using his Force powers to try to steal a dish of food. Can you tell us more about that?

Weaver: Yes, he was after my little bowl of snacks. Grogu was making his Force gestures, and I had to be quite firm to get them back. It was a fun moment.

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 with him, I witness his playful side at our base. However, it's clear he's evolving from a learner to a skilled apprentice. The difference from the series is noticeable, and it's exciting to see his growth.

IGN: I'm curious about how you came to this project and your overall experience with Star Wars, starting from the original movie. Do you have a favorite film from the series?

Weaver: My favorite is Rogue One. I was drawn to Felicity Jones's character, and it resonated with me as a member of the Rebellion. Revisiting the other films felt like a nostalgic journey back to my childhood. Star Wars has a way of welcoming everyone back into its universe, expanding in all directions.

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

Weaver: I'm afraid it's a Xenomorph. They're driven by an instinct to dominate and destroy, whereas Grogu, like Yoda, embodies wisdom and goodness. He's simply too cute to be truly threatening.

IGN: And if Grogu had stayed with Werner Herzog, do you think he might have turned out differently?

Weaver: Who knows what he would have become under Herzog's influence? It's a chilling thought.