The recent Star Wars Celebration 2025 unveiled thrilling new details about the much-anticipated film The Mandalorian & Grogu, directed by Jon Favreau. This cinematic venture is set to replace the fourth season of The Mandalorian, elevating the series’ narrative to an IMAX scale. With inspirations rooted in Kurosawa’s storytelling, the film promises significant developments, including the return of Pedro Pascal in his role as Din Djarin, and a deeper exploration of Grogu’s character, suggesting an organic progression for the beloved story line within the expansive Star Wars universe.
Among the notable announcements, it was revealed that acclaimed actress Sigourney Weaver will portray a New Republic operative. While details surrounding her character remain sparse, her involvement connects to the overarching narrative seen in various Star Wars projects, including The Mandalorian and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. Reports indicate that Weaver is particularly excited about interacting with Grogu, hinting at a significant narrative intersection with Din Djarin.
During an engaging discussion at the event, ScreenRant’s Ash Crossan interviewed both Jon Favreau and Sigourney Weaver about their contributions to The Mandalorian & Grogu. Weaver shared her delight in joining the Star Wars realm, despite her established career in iconic franchises. Favreau offered tantalizing hints about Grogu’s evolving role and the appearance of a familiar Hutt in the film’s preview.
Sigourney Weaver’s Surprise at Joining Star Wars
“We Can’t Confuse People”
Despite her iconic roles in titles like Alien and Ghostbusters, Sigourney Weaver was surprised by her opportunity to join the Star Wars universe. She expressed that this was her first invitation to participate in a Star Wars project, admitting, “Some might think, ‘Oh, she’s from these other universes. We can’t confuse people.'”
Weaver conveyed her gratitude to Favreau for envisioning her in this new role, saying, “I’m delighted that Jon took a chance and thought, ‘She’s going to fit right in.'”
Jon Favreau & Sigourney Weaver Discuss Grogu’s Significance
Grogu has long been considered the heart of The Mandalorian, a sentiment that continues in The Mandalorian & Grogu. Favreau noted Grogu’s slow progression in age allows audiences to connect with him in new ways. He reflected, “When Mando says goodbye to Grogu at the end of season two, I was experiencing that,” drawing parallels between Grogu’s journey and real-life experiences of parents.
Favreau emphasized the relatability of Din Djarin’s character for older audiences, stating, “As Star Wars fans who grew up with the original films age and have families, it’s fulfilling to have a hero that mirrors their experiences.” Weaver humorously assessed Grogu’s appeal, likening him to her otherworldly co-stars, marking him as the pinnacle of cuteness.
The Role of Rotta The Hutt in The Mandalorian & Grogu
“For The Big Screen, You Don’t Have Anything Bigger Than A Hutt”
A standout moment from the footage shared at Star Wars Celebration was the introduction of a powerful-looking Hutt, believed to be Rotta, Jabba the Hutt’s son, as first seen in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Favreau elaborated on the character’s significance, stating, “We definitely drew inspiration from the Expanded Universe, and the Hutts are just an interesting group.”
He further explained the evolution of the Hutt, noting advancements in technology that now allow for more dynamic representations. “Look how difficult it was with the original trilogy. With CG advancements, we can explore species previously unfeasible to depict,” Favreau stated. “And for the big screen, you don’t have anything bigger than a Hutt.”
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