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

Sigourney Weaver made a significant impact at the Star Wars Celebration 2025 during The Mandalorian & Grogu panel, where IGN had the opportunity to delve into her new character, her initial unfamiliarity with the series, her affection for Grogu, and even a playful comparison between Grogu and a Xenomorph. The much-anticipated movie, The Mandalorian & Grogu, is slated for a theatrical release on May 22, 2026. This interview aims to bridge the gap and provide fans with deeper insights into one of the latest additions to the iconic 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 maybe 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. She's deeply involved in protecting the New Republic, especially out in the Outer Rim where remnants of the Empire still linger. Her mission often requires the assistance of characters like the Mandalorian and his loyal companion, Grogu.

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, yet all I could see was him, despite the numerous puppeteers involved. It's as if he's truly alive, which speaks volumes about the magic of Star Wars.

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 are terrifying and Na’vi are majestic, Grogu embodies a charm that is simply irresistible. The Japanese term 'Kawaii' perfectly describes his endearing nature.

**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. Jon Favreau didn't pressure me to watch the series beforehand, and diving into it after joining the project was a treat. The show's concept, reminiscent of a classic Western with unexpected twists, was both charming and a refreshing way for me to reconnect with the Star Wars universe. The evolving story of Din Djarin and Grogu, alongside compelling antagonists like Werner Herzog, kept me hooked 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, he was playfully trying to steal a little bowl of snacks from me using his Force powers. It was a light-hearted moment, and I'm glad I managed 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's Force abilities are on full display, particularly as he transitions from a learning creature to a more skilled apprentice. It's fascinating to witness his growth and the potential he holds.

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 of Jyn Erso really resonated with me, especially as someone who identifies with the spirit of the Rebellion. Revisiting the older films brought back a sense of nostalgia, highlighting how Star Wars continues to evolve and welcome new fans.

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

Weaver: I'm afraid it's the Xenomorph. Their nature is to dominate and destroy, whereas Grogu, much like Yoda, embodies wisdom and goodness. He's simply too cute to be truly menacing.

IGN: Why do you think that is?

Weaver: The Xenomorph's instincts drive it to take over and destroy, while Grogu, influenced by his mentors, strives to be on the side of good. Had Grogu stayed with someone like Werner Herzog, his path might have been different, but fortunately, he's on the path of light.