The Mandalorian & Grogu's Sigourney Weaver on Grogu Stealing Her Heart and More - Star Wars Celebration

Sigourney Weaver played a significant role in the *The Mandalorian & Grogu* panel at Star Wars Celebration 2025, where IGN had the opportunity to delve into her new character, her initial unfamiliarity with *The Mandalorian* series, her affection for Grogu, and even a playful comparison between Grogu and a Xenomorph. This interview aims to tide fans over until the cinematic release of *The Mandalorian & Grogu* on May 22, 2026, providing deeper insights into one of the latest additions to the Star Wars universe.

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 wearing a Rebel pilot uniform? What can you tell us about your character at this point?

Sigourney Weaver: Absolutely, she was wearing a Rebel pilot uniform, and that's how she came up. Now, she's still a pilot and plays a crucial role in protecting the New Republic. She operates in the Outer Rim, where remnants of the Empire still linger, so she relies on allies like the Mandalorian and his faithful companion, Grogu.

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, and I'm sure that won't surprise anyone. It was fascinating to see him in action, with multiple puppeteers working together to bring him to life. Yet, all I could see was Grogu himself. He truly feels real to me.

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

Weaver: Grogu is definitely the cutest. While Xenomorphs and other creatures can be terrifying, Grogu falls into the realm of pure adorability—what the Japanese call Kawaii!

Weaver: I feel incredibly fortunate because Jon Favreau didn't pressure me to watch the series beforehand. I was excited to join a Star Wars project with Jon. From the very first episode, I found the concept captivating—a classic Western with unique twists. It was a charming way to re-enter the Star Wars universe, which can be overwhelming with its various projects. The Mandalorian offered a compelling standalone story that continually built, with wonderful characters like Din Djarin and Grogu, alongside formidable antagonists like Werner Herzog. I was constantly on edge, wondering what Herzog would do to Grogu.

IGN: Looking forward, you appeared in the footage we saw this morning. You shared a scene with Grogu, and he was using his Force powers to try and steal something from you—a dish of food, perhaps?

Weaver: Yes, it was a little bowl of snacks that were mine. Grogu was making his little Force gestures, trying to take them. I'm just glad I managed to get them back; I had to be quite forceful.

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

Weaver: Grogu is always up to something. Whenever I'm with him, I get to see what he's capable of in a more relaxed setting. It's clear that he's transitioning from a young learner to someone with significant skills. He's now an apprentice, and it's fascinating to witness his growth compared to what we saw in the series. This shows how Star Wars continues to evolve and invite everyone back into its universe, branching in all sorts of directions.

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

Weaver: Yes, Rogue One is my favorite. I really connected with Felicity Jones's character, and it felt fitting for someone of my generation to be part of the Rebellion. Revisiting the other films was like a nostalgic journey back to my childhood. Star Wars has a way of drawing everyone in and keeping the story alive, expanding in every direction.

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

Weaver: As much as I believe in Grogu, I'm afraid the Xenomorph takes the crown.

IGN: Why do you think that is?

Weaver: The Xenomorph can't help but take over and destroy to promote its kind. Yoda, and by extension Grogu, embody wisdom and are on the side of good, not destruction. Grogu's too cute to be threatening, and if he had stayed with Werner Herzog, who knows what might have happened.