An iconic sci-fi star is joining a legendary science-fiction fantasy series. Sigourney Weaver, known for her turn as Ellen Ripley in the “Alien” series, has been cast in the upcoming “Star Wars” film, “The Mandalorian & Grogu,” according to THR.
There’s no word on who Weaver might play, and there are almost no plot details about the ‘Mando & Grogu’ film available.
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A feature-length spin-off based on “The Mandalorian” Disney+ series first launched in late 2019, “The Mandalorian & Grogu” will be Lucasfilm’s first “Star Wars” film to go into production since 2019’s “Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker.” The series will presumably pick up where the third season of “The Mandalorian” left off with Pedro Pascal reprising the role of Din Djarin (though Pascal is so busy these days, he often just voices the role and the physical duties of the role is usually played by Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder).
Presumably, some additional characters from the series, like Giancarlo Esposito’s Imperial Remnant officer Moff Gideon will reprise their roles in the film, but as of right no one but Pascal and Weaver has been officially confirmed. “The Mandalorian” series also featured regulars like Emily Swallow, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Amy Sedaris, and Omid Abtahi. Still, sadly, Carl Weathers passed away earlier this year, making additional appearances of his Greef Karga an impossibility (Gina Carano has been rumored to be vying for a return, but hell would probably freeze over like Hoth before Lucasfilm allowed that).
No production start date has been announced, but “The Mandalorian & Grogu” is expected to go into production later this year, and the second half of 2024 might be taken up by Pascal’s role in “The Fantastic Four” (hence only doing the voice when necessary).
The film will be directed by Jon Favreau, a co-creator of “The Mandalorian” series, along with Lucasfilm Creative Chief Dave Filoni, known for his work in the animated realm of “Star Wars” co-creating much of ‘The Clone Wars’ series with George Lucas.
“The Mandalorian and Grogu” will also be the first in a new era of Lucasfilm, signaling a return to theatrical releases after pivoting to Disney+ shows during the pandemic. Part of this pivot, though, was due to the failure of “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” a movie that bombed at the box office, shaking Lucasfilm’s confidence in “Star Wars” spin-offs as feature films.
But having healed or licked their wounds, Lucasfilm (and Disney) intends to return to cinemas. Three additional films have been announced and will be directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Dave Filoni, and James Mangold. Obaid-Chinoy’s film featuring Daisy Ridley reprising her Rey Skywalker role is expected to be the next line and perhaps the December 2026 release date that Disney is currently holding for a TBD Lucasfilm movie.
“The Mandalorian and Grogu” is scheduled for release via Disney on May 22, 2026.