Sigourney Weaver: Grogu Stole My Heart at Star Wars Celebration

Sigourney Weaver made a significant impact at the Star Wars Celebration 2025 during the *The Mandalorian & Grogu* panel, where she discussed her new role and her experiences with the franchise. IGN had the privilege of interviewing her about her character, her affection for Grogu, and even a playful comparison between Grogu and a Xenomorph. *The Mandalorian & Grogu* is scheduled for a theatrical release on May 22, 2026, and this interview aims to tide fans over until then, offering a glimpse into the latest addition to 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: She was indeed wearing a Rebel pilot uniform. My character is a pilot working to protect the New Republic, stationed out in the Outer Rim where remnants of the Empire still linger. She relies on the help of the Mandalorian and his trusty companion.

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, which I'm sure comes as no surprise. In every scene, there were several puppeteers involved, each responsible for different aspects of his movements. Yet, all I could see was Grogu himself. He felt so 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 by far the cutest. If you imagine a spectrum with Xenomorphs on one end and Slimer on the other, Grogu is off the charts in terms of adorability. The Japanese call it Kawaii!

Weaver: I felt incredibly fortunate because Jon Favreau didn't pressure me to watch it beforehand. I was excited to join a Star Wars project and work with Jon. From the very first episode, I appreciated the concept—a classic Western with unexpected twists. It was charming and a perfect way for me to re-enter the Star Wars universe, which can be confusing with all its different projects. The Mandalorian offered a standalone story that continuously built, and I found Din Djarin and Grogu to be wonderful characters, especially with formidable villains like Werner Herzog. I was always on edge, wondering what he might do to Grogu.

IGN: Looking ahead, you were in the footage we saw this morning, sharing a scene with Grogu where he used his Force powers to try and steal something from you. What was that like?

Weaver: Yes, he was after a little bowl of my snacks, using his Force gestures. I managed to get them back, but it took some effort on my part.

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

Weaver: He's always up to something. When I'm with him, I see him more relaxed at our base. However, it's clear that Grogu is transitioning from a learning creature to someone with significant skills. He's truly an apprentice now, and the difference is palpable compared to the series.

IGN: Could you share your journey into this project and your overall experience with Star Wars, starting from the original movie?

Weaver: My favorite Star Wars movie is Rogue One. I really connected with Felicity Jones's character, and as someone from my generation, I felt a kinship with the Rebellion. Revisiting the older films was like a trip back to my childhood. Star Wars has a way of welcoming everyone back and branching out in many directions. It's quite an amazing universe.

IGN: Last question. Who do you think is more powerful: Grogu or a Xenomorph?

Weaver: I'm afraid it's a Xenomorph. They can't help but take over and destroy, driven by their nature. Yoda, and by extension Grogu, are too wise for such destruction. They stand for good, and Grogu is no exception.

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

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