Sigourney Weaver on Grogu: Stealing Hearts at Star Wars Celebration

Sigourney Weaver made a significant impact at the Star Wars Celebration 2025 during The Mandalorian & Grogu panel, and IGN was fortunate enough to interview her about her new role, her initial unfamiliarity with the series, her affection for Grogu, and even a playful comparison between Grogu and a Xenomorph.

Set for a theatrical release 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 shed light on Weaver's character in this beloved 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 wearing a Rebel pilot uniform. What can you tell us about your character at this point?

Sigourney Weaver: She was indeed wearing a Rebel pilot uniform, and that's how she was introduced. Currently, she's a pilot working to protect the New Republic, stationed in the Outer Rim where remnants of the Empire still linger. She relies on allies like the Mandalorian and his loyal companion.

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

Weaver: Grogu is incredibly mischievous, as you might expect. It's amusing because there were multiple puppeteers involved in every scene with him, each controlling a different aspect of his movements. Yet, all I could see was Grogu himself. He feels so real to me.

IGN: You’ve worked with various types of aliens throughout your career, from Xenomorphs to Na’vi. How does working with Grogu compare?

Weaver: He's definitely the cutest of the bunch. While Xenomorphs and other creatures like Slimer have their place, Grogu surpasses them in charm. The Japanese term 'Kawaii' perfectly describes him!

IGN: You mentioned in the panel that you hadn't seen The Mandalorian before starting this project. What was it like finally watching all those episodes?

Weaver: I feel incredibly fortunate because Jon Favreau didn't insist that I watch the series beforehand. I was thrilled to join this Star Wars project and work with Jon. From the very first episode, I was captivated by the concept—a classic Western with delightful surprises. It was a charming way for me to re-enter the Star Wars universe, which can sometimes be confusing with its many different projects. The story of Din Djarin and Grogu, along with compelling villains like Werner Herzog, kept me hooked the entire time. I was constantly wondering what Herzog's character would do to Grogu.

IGN: In the footage we saw this morning, you shared a scene with Grogu where he used his Force powers to try to steal a dish of food from you. Can you tell us more about that?

Weaver: Yes, it was a small bowl of snacks that belonged to me, and he was making those adorable Force gestures. I had to be quite firm to get them back.

IGN: Do you get to see Grogu use his Force powers extensively in this movie?

Weaver: He's always up to something. Whenever I'm with him, I get to witness his antics when he's more relaxed at our base. However, I can see Grogu transitioning from a learner to someone with genuine skills. He's truly an apprentice now, and it's evident how much he's grown since the series.

IGN: I'm still very interested in how you came to this project and your experience with Star Wars in general. Do you have a favorite movie from the series?

Weaver: My favorite is Rogue One. I really connected with Felicity Jones's character, and it resonated with my generation's sense of being part of the Rebellion. Revisiting the other movies felt like a trip back to my childhood. It's amazing how Star Wars continues to evolve and offer new entry points for everyone.

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

Weaver: I'm afraid it's a Xenomorph.

IGN: Why do you think that is?

Weaver: Because a Xenomorph can't help but take over, destroy, and propagate its kind. Yoda, on the other hand, embodies wisdom and avoids destruction. Grogu, like Yoda, is on the side of good.

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

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