Sigourney Weaver made a significant impact at Star Wars Celebration 2025 during The Mandalorian & Grogu panel, where IGN had the opportunity to delve into her new role, her initial unfamiliarity with the series, her affection for Grogu, and a playful comparison between Grogu and a Xenomorph. The much-anticipated film, The Mandalorian & Grogu, is slated for a theatrical release on May 22, 2026. This interview aims to ease the wait and provide insights into one of the latest additions to the cherished Star Wars universe.

Sigourney Weaver at Star Wars Celebration 2025.

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: Well, she was wearing a rebel pilot uniform, and that's how she came up. Now, she's still a pilot, dedicated to protecting the New Republic. She's stationed out in the Outer Rim, where remnants of the Empire linger, so she relies on the Mandalorian and his loyal companion for support.

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 very mischievous, which probably won't surprise you. It's fascinating because, in every scene with him, multiple puppeteers were involved, each controlling different aspects of his movements. Yet, all I saw was Grogu. To me, he feels incredibly real.

IGN: You’ve worked with a variety of alien species in your career, from Xenomorphs to Na’vi. How did working with them compare to working with Grogu?

Weaver: He's definitely the cutest. If you think of Xenomorphs on one end and Slimer on the other, Grogu is far beyond that on the scale of adorability. The Japanese would call him 'Kawaii!'

Weaver: I feel incredibly fortunate because Jon Favreau didn't pressure me to watch it beforehand. I was excited to join the project and work with Jon on a Star Wars venture. From the first episode, I appreciated the concept. It's a classic Western with some delightful surprises, and I found it charming—a perfect way to re-enter the Star Wars universe, especially with so many different projects that can be confusing to keep straight.

The story builds beautifully, and I enjoyed the development of Din Djarin and Grogu as characters, alongside formidable villains like Werner Herzog. Throughout, I was constantly worried about what Herzog's character might do to Grogu.

IGN: Love it. Now, looking forward, you're certainly 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… was it like a dish of food or something?

Weaver: Yes, it was a little bowl of snacks that were mine, and he was making his little Force gestures. I'm just glad I managed to get them back; I had to be quite assertive.

IGN: Speaking of which, do you get to see Grogu use his Force powers in all their glory in this movie?

Weaver: He's always up to something. When I'm with him, I get to see what he does when he's more relaxed at our base. However, I feel like Grogu is transitioning from a learning creature to someone with real skills. He's now an apprentice, and you can see a significant difference from his portrayal in the series.

It's a testament to how Star Wars can welcome everyone back into its universe, expanding in all directions. It's truly remarkable.

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: Yes, I think Rogue One. I really liked Felicity Jones's character, and I'm glad that was the one I saw because I think of my generation as members of The Rebellion. I saw the other ones quite a while ago, and it was wonderful to watch them again—it's like revisiting your childhood. It shows there's a way in for everybody back into Star Wars, and you can keep it going. It goes in all directions. It's quite an amazing thing.

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

Weaver: Well, it’s not that I don’t believe in him, but I’m afraid it’s a Xenomorph.

IGN: Why do you think that is?

Weaver: Because he can’t help himself. He just has to take over and destroy and promote his group. And, what I know and remember of Yoda is that he is too wise to do all of that. He’s not a destructive being. He’s on the side of good, and I think Grogu is too, obviously.

IGN: And he’s just too cute to be all that threatening, right?

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