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

At Star Wars Celebration 2025, Sigourney Weaver made a significant impact during The Mandalorian & Grogu panel. IGN had the privilege of interviewing her about her new role, her initial unfamiliarity with the series, her affection for Grogu, and even her thoughts on whether Grogu could outmatch a Xenomorph.

Set for a theatrical release on May 22, 2026, The Mandalorian & Grogu promises to be an exciting addition to the Star Wars universe. This interview aims to ease the anticipation and offer a glimpse into the character that Weaver brings to life in this beloved galaxy.

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: Indeed, she was wearing a Rebel pilot uniform, and that's her origin story. She continues to serve as a pilot, contributing to the protection of the New Republic. Her duties take her to the Outer Rim, where remnants of the Empire still linger, making the assistance of someone like the Mandalorian and his loyal companion invaluable.

IGN: We heard that your love for Grogu was a key factor in deciding to take on this role. What was it like working with him?

Weaver: Grogu is incredibly mischievous, which I'm sure comes as no surprise. In every scene with him, there were multiple puppeteers, each responsible for a different aspect of his movements. Yet, all I could see was Grogu himself. He's so convincing that I still believe he's real.

IGN: You've worked with various alien species throughout your career, from Xenomorphs to Na'vi. How does working with Grogu compare?

Weaver: Grogu is undoubtedly the cutest. If Xenomorphs and Slimer are on one end of the spectrum, Grogu is far on the other, embodying what the Japanese call 'Kawaii'!

IGN: You mentioned in the panel that you hadn't seen The Mandalorian before starting work on this. What was your experience like watching the episodes for the first time?

Weaver: I feel fortunate because Jon Favreau didn't insist on me watching it beforehand. I was excited to work with him on a Star Wars project. From the first episode, I appreciated the concept—a classic Western with unexpected twists. It was charming and a perfect way for me to reconnect with the Star Wars universe, which can sometimes be confusing with its various projects.

The standalone story of Din Djarin and Grogu was compelling and continually evolved. Alongside great antagonists like Werner Herzog, the narrative kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen to the little creature.

IGN: In the footage we saw this morning, you were sharing a scene with Grogu, and he was using his Force powers to try to steal something. Can you tell us more about that?

Weaver: Yes, he was attempting to swipe a small bowl of my snacks with his Force gestures. I had to be quite firm to get them back!

IGN: Do you get to witness Grogu's Force powers in full effect in this movie?

Weaver: Grogu is always up to something. When I'm with him, I see his playful side at our base. But there's a noticeable transition from a learning creature to one with real skills. He's truly an apprentice now, and the series showcases this growth beautifully.

IGN: I'm curious about how you came 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: 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, which is truly remarkable.

IGN: Final question. 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, and by extension Grogu, are too wise and good-hearted to engage in such destruction.

IGN: And Grogu's cuteness doesn't make him threatening, right?

Weaver: Well, if he had stayed with Werner Herzog, who knows what he might have become?