Sigourney Weaver was a major highlight at The Mandalorian & Grogu panel during Star Wars Celebration 2025. IGN had the privilege of interviewing her about her new role, her unexpected journey into the Star Wars universe, her affection for Grogu, and a playful comparison between Grogu and her iconic Xenomorph adversary.
Set to premiere in theaters on May 22, 2026, The Mandalorian & Grogu promises to be an exciting addition to the Star Wars saga. This interview aims to ease the anticipation and provide fans with a deeper understanding of one of the newest characters 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 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. Her duties take her to 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 a delight. He's incredibly mischievous, which I'm sure comes as no surprise. In every scene, multiple puppeteers worked to bring him to life, yet all I saw was Grogu himself. It's easy to believe he's real.
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 stands out as the cutest alien I've worked with. If you place Xenomorphs and Slimer on one end of the spectrum, Grogu is far on the other side, embodying the essence of what the Japanese call 'Kawaii'.
IGN: So, you said in the panel that you hadn't seen The Mandalorian before you started working on this. That means I have to ask, what was it like finally watching all those episodes?
Weaver: I felt incredibly fortunate because Jon Favreau didn't insist on me watching the series beforehand. I was excited to work with him on a Star Wars project. From the very first episode, I appreciated the concept—a classic Western with delightful twists. It was a charming way to re-enter the Star Wars universe, which can be confusing with its numerous projects. The story of Din Djarin and Grogu, along with formidable villains like Werner Herzog, captivated me throughout.
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 little bowl of snacks that were mine. Grogu was using his Force gestures to try and take them, and I had to be quite firm 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: Grogu is always up to something. When I'm with him, I witness his playful antics at our base. However, I've noticed a significant transition in him—from a learning creature to a skilled apprentice. It's fascinating to see his growth from the series to the movie.
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. 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, unlike Grogu, who, like Yoda, embodies wisdom and goodness.
IGN: Why do you think that is?
Weaver: Xenomorphs can't help their nature; they're compelled to take over and promote their species. Yoda, and by extension Grogu, are on the side of good, not destruction.
IGN: And he’s just too cute to be all that threatening, right?
Weaver: Absolutely, though if Grogu had stayed with someone like Werner Herzog, who knows what path he might have taken?
