Sigourney Weaver Joins Star Wars in The Mandalorian & Grogu

Sci-fi icon Sigourney Weaver has confirmed that she she will appear in the upcoming Star Wars movie The Mandalorian & Grogu, directed by Jon Favreau.‍

Why it matters: This marks the first Star Wars film since 2019's The Rise of Skywalker, bringing the beloved Disney+ series The Mandalorian to the big screen. Weaver’s involvement adds some major star power, continuing her legacy in epic sci-fi franchises.‍

The Big Picture:  

• Sci-Fi Legacy: Weaver is best known for her roles in Alien and Avatar, two of the most successful sci-fi franchises ever, establishing her as a genre icon.

• Weaver’s character: Known for playing powerful and complex characters, speculation is high about how she’ll impact the Star Wars storyline.

• Interview Confirmation: Weaver announced her involvement at the Venice Film Festival, where she received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
  
  

Between the lines:  

• Strong Resume: Weaver’s previous roles as Ripley in Alien and Dr. Grace Augustine in Avatar could influence how her character fits into the Star Wars universe.

• Meeting Her Co-Star: Weaver confirmed meeting Grogu recently, although she did not mention Pedro Pascal, who will once again voice Din Djarin. His physical presence on set will be limited, continuing a trend from the series.
  
  

Lucasfilm’s strategy:

• Reality Check: This film could be a pivotal step in bridging streaming content and theatrical releases, potentially reshaping the future of Star Wars.

• Star Power: The Mandalorian & Grogu is poised to be the next great cinematic Star Wars event. By blending beloved characters with new stories and star talent like Weaver, Lucasfilm hopes to make it a must-see for fans and a hearty welcome back to the big screen for the franchise.
  
  

The Mandalorian & Grogu is scheduled to arrive in theaters on May 22, 2026.