Sigourney Weaver Shares Insights on Her Role and Grogu’s Charm at Star Wars Celebration

Sigourney Weaver was a highlight of The Mandalorian & Grogu panel at Star Wars Celebration 2025, where IGN spoke with her about her new character, her unfamiliarity with The Mandalorian prior to casting, her affection for Grogu, and whether she believes Grogu surpasses a Xenomorph in power.

The Mandalorian & Grogu hits theaters on May 22, 2026, and this interview offers a glimpse into a fresh character joining the iconic galaxy far, far away.

IGN: Sigourney, thank you for joining us! Your character stole the show at The Mandalorian & Grogu panel, possibly in a Rebel pilot uniform? Can you share details about her?

Sigourney Weaver: She was in a Rebel pilot uniform, which is how her story began. Now, she’s still a pilot, working to safeguard the New Republic. Stationed in the Outer Rim, where traces of the Empire linger, she relies on allies like the Mandalorian and his loyal companion.

IGN: We heard your fondness for Grogu influenced your decision to join. What was it like working with him?

Weaver: Grogu is quite the prankster, which I’m sure is no shock. In every scene, multiple puppeteers brought him to life, each handling a different action. Yet, all I could see was Grogu himself. To me, he’s completely real.

IGN: You’ve encountered various aliens, from Xenomorphs to Na’vi. How does working with Grogu compare?

Weaver: He’s easily the most adorable. If Xenomorphs are on one end and Slimer’s somewhere in the middle, Grogu is far beyond them all. In Japan, they’d call him Kawaii!

IGN: You mentioned at the panel that you hadn’t watched The Mandalorian before joining. What was it like diving into the series?

Weaver: I feel fortunate Jon Favreau didn’t insist I watch it first. I was just excited to collaborate with him on a Star Wars project. From the first episode, I found it captivating—a classic Western with unexpected twists. It’s a charming re-entry into the Star Wars universe, especially with its standalone story that grows richer with each episode.

Characters like Din Djarin and his tiny companion, alongside villains like Werner Herzog, were fantastic. I kept wondering, ‘What’s he going to do to that little creature?’ It’s almost too much to think about.

IGN: We saw you in today’s footage, sharing a scene with Grogu as he uses his Force powers to snatch… was it a dish of food?

Weaver: Yes, a small bowl of my snacks! He was making his little Force gestures, and I had to be firm to get them back.

IGN: Do you get to witness Grogu’s Force powers in full force in this film?

Weaver: He’s always up to something. When I’m with him, I see what he’s like at ease at the base. Grogu’s evolving from a curious little creature into someone with real abilities. He’s truly the apprentice now, a big shift from the series.

IGN: I’m curious about how you joined this project and your history with Star Wars, going back to the original film. Do you have a favorite from the series?

Weaver: Rogue One stands out. I loved Felicity Jones’s character. As part of the Rebellion generation, it resonated deeply. Revisiting the others felt like returning to childhood. Star Wars offers something for everyone, expanding endlessly. It’s extraordinary.

IGN: Final question: Who’s the most powerful, Grogu or a Xenomorph?

Weaver: I hate to say it, but it’s the Xenomorph.

IGN: Why do you think so?

Weaver: It’s driven to dominate and destroy, unstoppable in its mission. From what I know of Yoda, he’s too wise for that. Grogu’s on the side of good, clearly not a destructive force.

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

Weaver: Well, had he stayed with Werner Herzog, who knows what he might have become?