At Star Wars Celebration 2025, Sigourney Weaver played a significant role in the panel for the upcoming movie, *The Mandalorian & Grogu*. IGN had the opportunity to interview her about her new character, her initial unfamiliarity with the series, her affection for Grogu, and her thoughts on whether Grogu could outmatch a Xenomorph. *The Mandalorian & Grogu* is slated for a theatrical release on May 22, 2026, and this interview aims to tide fans over and provide insights into Weaver's new role within the Star Wars universe.
IGN: Sigourney, thank you so much for joining us! We were thrilled to see your character in the 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 is indeed wearing a Rebel pilot uniform, and she's dedicated to protecting the New Republic. She's stationed in the Outer Rim, where remnants of the Empire still linger, making her work crucial. That's why she's thrilled to have allies like the Mandalorian and his loyal companion.
IGN: We heard that your love for Grogu was one of the reasons you decided to take on this role. What was it like to actually work with him?
Weaver: Grogu is incredibly mischievous, which I'm sure won't surprise anyone. It was fascinating to see multiple puppeteers working in unison to bring him to life, yet all I could see was Grogu himself. He truly feels real to me.
IGN: You've worked with a wide array of aliens throughout your career, from Xenomorphs to Na'vi. How does working with Grogu compare?
Weaver: Grogu is by far the cutest alien I've worked with. While Xenomorphs and other creatures can be terrifying, Grogu is on the opposite end of the spectrum. The Japanese have a term for it—Kawaii!
**IGN:** So, you mentioned in the panel that you hadn't seen *The Mandalorian* before you started working on this project. What was it like to finally watch all those episodes?Weaver: I feel incredibly fortunate because Jon Favreau didn't pressure me to watch the series beforehand. I was excited to work with him on a Star Wars project, and from the very first episode, I was hooked. It's like a classic Western with unexpected twists, and I found it charming. It was a perfect reintroduction to the Star Wars universe, especially with its standalone story that kept building. Din Djarin and Grogu are wonderful characters, and the villains, like Werner Herzog, added such depth to the series.
IGN: In the footage we saw this morning, you shared a scene with Grogu. It looked like he was using his Force powers to try to steal your snacks. Can you tell us more about that?
Weaver: Yes, he was definitely after my little bowl of snacks. It was amusing to see him use his Force gestures, and I had to be quite assertive to get them back.
IGN: Do you get to witness Grogu's Force powers in full action in the movie?
Weaver: Grogu is always up to something. When I'm with him, I get to see his more relaxed side at our base. But it's clear he's transitioning from a learner to a skilled apprentice. There's a noticeable growth from what we've seen in the series.
IGN: How did you come to be part of this project, and what has your experience with Star Wars been like, especially considering you've been a fan since the original movie? Do you have a favorite film from the series?
Weaver: I've always been a fan of Star Wars, and Rogue One stands out as my favorite. Felicity Jones's character resonated with me, and it felt like a perfect fit for someone of my generation who identifies with the Rebellion. Watching the older films again was like revisiting my childhood, and it's amazing how Star Wars continues to evolve and welcome everyone back into its universe.
IGN: Finally, who do you think is the most powerful being in the universe: Grogu or a Xenomorph?
Weaver: It's a tough call, but I have to say the Xenomorph. They're driven by an instinctual need to destroy and dominate, whereas Grogu, like Yoda, is wise and fundamentally good. Grogu's cuteness is his strength, but it doesn't make him as threatening as a Xenomorph.
IGN: And if Grogu had stayed with Werner Herzog, do you think he could have turned out differently?
Weaver: If Grogu had remained with someone like Werner Herzog, who knows what path he might have taken? But thankfully, he's on the side of good.
