At Star Wars Celebration 2025, the panel for *The Mandalorian & Grogu* featured a special guest, Sigourney Weaver, who shared insights into her new character and her experiences on set. IGN had the opportunity to delve deeper into her role, her affection for Grogu, and even a playful comparison between Grogu and the Xenomorph from her iconic *Alien* series. The much-anticipated film, *The Mandalorian & Grogu*, is slated for a theatrical release on May 22, 2026. This interview aims to bridge the gap until then, offering fans a closer look at Weaver's involvement in the 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 wearing a Rebel pilot uniform. What can you tell us about your character at this point?
Sigourney Weaver: My character indeed wears a Rebel pilot uniform, which reflects her background. She's currently working to protect the New Republic, stationed in the Outer Rim where remnants of the Empire still linger. Her role involves collaborating with figures like the Mandalorian and his loyal companion to maintain peace and security.
IGN: We heard that your love of 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 work with him because, despite the multiple puppeteers involved in bringing him to life, my focus was always on Grogu himself. He felt utterly real to me.
IGN: You've worked with various types of aliens in your career, from Xenomorphs to Na'vi. How does working with Grogu compare?
Weaver: Grogu is undoubtedly the cutest alien I've ever worked with. While Xenomorphs and other creatures have their own appeal, Grogu's charm is unparalleled. In Japan, they would call it Kawaii!
**IGN:** You mentioned in the panel that you hadn't seen *The Mandalorian* before you started working on this. What was it like finally watching all those episodes?Weaver: I felt fortunate that Jon Favreau didn't insist I watch the series before joining the project. I was excited to work with Jon on a Star Wars film, and from the first episode, I appreciated the concept. It's a classic Western with a fresh twist, and I found it both charming and a perfect reintroduction to the Star Wars universe. The story of Din Djarin and Grogu, coupled with formidable villains like Werner Herzog, captivated me throughout.
IGN: In the footage we saw, you were sharing a scene with Grogu, and he seemed to be using his Force powers to steal a dish of food from you. Can you tell us more about that?
Weaver: Yes, he was trying to take a bowl of snacks that were mine. His little Force gestures were adorable, but I managed to reclaim my snacks with a bit of force myself.
IGN: Do you get to see Grogu use his Force powers more extensively in the movie?
Weaver: Grogu is always up to something. When I'm with him, I see him in more relaxed settings at our base, but it's clear he's transitioning from a learner to someone with significant skills. He's truly an apprentice now, and the difference from the series is noticeable.
IGN: How did you come to be involved in this project, and what's your general experience with Star Wars, from the original films to now?
Weaver: I've always been a fan of Star Wars, and Rogue One stands out as my favorite. Felicity Jones's portrayal of Jyn Erso resonated with me, and it reinforced my connection to the Rebel cause. Revisiting the series felt like a trip back to my childhood, and it's incredible how Star Wars continues to evolve and engage new audiences.
IGN: Lastly, who do you think is the most powerful being in the universe, Grogu or a Xenomorph?
Weaver: I'm afraid it's the Xenomorph. Its nature is to take over, destroy, and dominate. Yoda, and by extension Grogu, are wise and stand on the side of good, not destruction. And, let's be honest, Grogu is just too cute to be truly threatening.
IGN: And if Grogu had stayed with Werner Herzog, do you think he might have turned out differently?
Weaver: If he had stayed with someone like Werner Herzog, who knows what path he might have taken?
