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

Sigourney Weaver played a significant role at the Star Wars Celebration 2025 during The Mandalorian & Grogu panel, and IGN had the opportunity to delve into her new character's details. Weaver shared insights about her journey into the Star Wars universe, her first-time experience with The Mandalorian, and her affection for Grogu. The eagerly awaited film, The Mandalorian & Grogu, is slated for a theatrical release on May 22, 2026. This interview offers fans a glimpse into the exciting new character joining the iconic galaxy.

IGN: Sigourney, thank you for joining us! Your character appeared in a Rebel pilot uniform at the panel. What can you tell us about her?

Sigourney Weaver: She's indeed a rebel pilot, dedicated to safeguarding the New Republic. She's stationed in the Outer Rim, dealing with lingering threats from the Empire, and works closely with the Mandalorian and his companion.

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

Weaver: Grogu is incredibly mischievous, yet utterly captivating. Despite the numerous puppeteers involved, my focus was solely on him. He felt real to me throughout our scenes.

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. Compared to the fearsome Xenomorphs or the ethereal Na'vi, Grogu embodies the essence of 'Kawaii'—the Japanese term for cuteness.

IGN: You mentioned not having seen The Mandalorian before starting this project. What was your experience like watching the series?

Weaver: It was a delightful experience. Jon Favreau didn't pressure me to watch it beforehand, and I was thrilled to join his Star Wars project. From the very first episode, I was hooked by the Western-style storytelling and the charming characters, especially Din Djarin and Grogu. The series provided a fantastic re-entry into the Star Wars universe.

IGN: In the footage we saw, Grogu was using his Force powers to steal your snacks. What was that scene like?

Weaver: Yes, he was trying to take my bowl of snacks. It was quite amusing, and I had to be firm to get them back.

IGN: Will we see more of Grogu's Force abilities in the movie?

Weaver: Absolutely. Grogu is transitioning from a learner to a more skilled apprentice. You'll see his growth and capabilities, especially in more relaxed settings at our home base.

IGN: How did you come to be part of this project, and what has been your experience with Star Wars overall?

Weaver: I've always appreciated Star Wars, and Rogue One stands out as a favorite. Felicity Jones's portrayal of Jyn Erso resonated with me, reflecting my generation's connection to the Rebellion. Revisiting the series felt like a journey back to my childhood, and it's incredible how Star Wars continues to evolve and engage audiences.

IGN: Finally, who's more powerful: Grogu or a Xenomorph?

Weaver: A Xenomorph, I'm afraid. They're driven by an instinct to dominate and destroy, whereas Grogu and Yoda represent wisdom and goodness. Plus, Grogu's too adorable to be truly threatening—unless he'd been influenced by someone like Werner Herzog!

This interview with Sigourney Weaver provides a fascinating look into her new role in The Mandalorian & Grogu and her personal journey with the Star Wars saga. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the film's release on May 22, 2026.