Sigourney Weaver on Grogu's Charm at Star Wars Celebration

Sigourney Weaver's presence at the Star Wars Celebration 2025 for *The Mandalorian & Grogu* panel was a highlight, and IGN had the privilege of interviewing her about her new role, her experiences with Grogu, and her thoughts on the Star Wars universe. The upcoming film, set to hit theaters on May 22, 2026, promises to be a thrilling addition to the franchise, and Weaver's insights offer a tantalizing glimpse into what fans can expect.

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: My character indeed sports a Rebel pilot uniform, which hints at her origins. She's now part of the effort to safeguard the New Republic, stationed in the Outer Rim where remnants of the Empire linger. She's in need of allies like the Mandalorian and his faithful 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, as you might expect. Despite the presence of several puppeteers, Grogu's presence was so compelling that it felt entirely real to me.

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 alien I've worked with. Compared to the terrifying Xenomorphs or the majestic Na'vi, Grogu embodies the essence of 'Kawaii'—the Japanese concept of cuteness.

Weaver: I felt incredibly fortunate that Jon Favreau didn't insist I watch the series before joining. Diving into the project was thrilling, and watching The Mandalorian was a joy. The show's Western-inspired narrative and charming characters, like Din Djarin and Grogu, along with formidable villains like Werner Herzog, made it a delightful re-entry into the Star Wars universe.

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 eyeing my little bowl of snacks, using his Force gestures to try and take them. It was quite the playful moment, 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: Absolutely. Grogu is constantly up to something. I get to witness his more relaxed moments at the base, but it's clear he's evolving from a learning creature into a skilled apprentice. It's fascinating to see his growth.

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: Rogue One stands out for me. Felicity Jones's portrayal of her character resonated with me, especially since I see myself as part of The Rebellion. Revisiting the older films felt like a nostalgic journey back to my childhood, and it's incredible how Star Wars continues to evolve and welcome everyone.

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

Weaver: I have to say a Xenomorph. They're driven by an instinctual need to dominate and destroy, whereas Grogu, like Yoda, embodies wisdom and goodness. Despite Grogu's charm, the Xenomorph's destructive nature gives it the edge.

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

Weaver: Absolutely, though if Grogu had stayed with Werner Herzog, who knows what path he might have taken?