Sigourney Weaver on Grogu's Charm at Star Wars Celebration

Sigourney Weaver made a significant impact at the Star Wars Celebration 2025 during The Mandalorian & Grogu panel, and IGN had the privilege of interviewing her about her new role, her experience with Grogu, and her thoughts on the Star Wars universe. The Mandalorian & Grogu is slated for a theatrical release on May 22, 2026, and this interview aims to bridge the anticipation gap and offer insights into one of the latest additions to the iconic galaxy.

Sigourney Weaver at Star Wars Celebration 2025.

IGN: Sigourney, thank you so much for joining us! Your character appeared in a Rebel pilot uniform at the panel. Could you share more about her?

Sigourney Weaver: Absolutely! She's indeed a Rebel pilot, now working to safeguard the New Republic. Her mission takes her to the Outer Rim, where remnants of the Empire still linger. It's crucial for her to have allies like the Mandalorian and his loyal companion.

IGN: Your affection for Grogu was a key factor in accepting this role. What was it like working with him?

Weaver: Grogu is incredibly mischievous, which you might expect. What's fascinating is that despite multiple puppeteers working to bring him to life, I always saw him as real. His presence was truly captivating.

IGN: You've worked with various alien species, from Xenomorphs to Na'vi. How does working with Grogu compare?

Weaver: Grogu is undoubtedly the cutest of them all. If you picture a spectrum with Xenomorphs on one end and Slimer on the other, Grogu is far beyond cute. He embodies the Japanese concept of Kawaii!

Weaver: I was fortunate that Jon Favreau didn't pressure me to watch it immediately. I was excited to work with Jon on a Star Wars project. From the first episode, I appreciated the concept—a classic Western with unique twists. It was a charming way to re-enter the Star Wars universe, which has become quite extensive. Din Djarin and Grogu are wonderful characters, and the series kept building on their journey, with compelling antagonists like Werner Herzog. I was constantly on edge, wondering what he would do to Grogu!

IGN: In the footage we saw, you and Grogu shared a scene where he used the Force to try and steal your snacks. Can you tell us more about that?

Weaver: Yes, he was after my little bowl of snacks. His Force gestures were adorable, but I had to be firm to get them back!

IGN: Do you get to see Grogu's Force powers in action in this movie?

Weaver: Grogu is always up to something. When we're at the home base, I witness his more relaxed moments. But I've noticed a significant transition from a learning creature to a skilled apprentice. It's a testament to the series' growth and the endless possibilities within the Star Wars universe.

IGN: How did you come to be involved in this project, and what has your journey with Star Wars been like, from the first movie to now?

Weaver: My favorite Star Wars movie is Rogue One. I connected deeply with Felicity Jones's character, and as a member of my generation, I see myself as part of The Rebellion. Revisiting the older films was like revisiting my childhood. Star Wars has a way of drawing everyone back in, expanding in all directions.

IGN: Finally, who do you think is the most powerful being in the universe—Grogu or a Xenomorph?

Weaver: I'd have to say a Xenomorph. It's not that I doubt Grogu's abilities, but a Xenomorph's nature is to take over, destroy, and propagate. Yoda, and by extension Grogu, are wise and on the side of good. They're not about destruction.

IGN: And Grogu's cuteness doesn't make him threatening, right?

Weaver: Exactly! But, if he had stayed with Werner Herzog, who knows what path he might have taken?