Sigourney Weaver's Optimistic View on the Future of Star Wars
Sigourney Weaver, known for her roles in Aliens and Avatar, is joining the Star Wars universe in the 2026 film The Mandalorian and Grogu. With three major franchises already to her name—Ghostbusters, Alien, and Avatar—Weaver never expected to become part of another iconic saga.
Unexpected Entry into Star Wars
“It was not my intention to find a fourth franchise. I didn’t ever imagine that I would enter the Star Wars world.” — Sigourney Weaver
During her interview with Empire, Weaver shared that the decision was driven primarily by the script. She emphasized her surprise at joining Star Wars but appreciated the fresh storytelling approach.
A New Approach to Storytelling in Star Wars
Weaver explained that the Star Wars franchise has shifted focus from creating a single defining story to allowing a broader universe to unfold with diverse and engaging narratives.
“It’s always the script... They’re no longer trying to do the Star Wars to end all Star Wars. They’re letting the universe exist, and tell really interesting stories within that.” — Sigourney Weaver
Context: Challenges in Recent Star Wars Films
For several years, the franchise struggled to find its direction, especially after mixed reactions to Rian Johnson’s The Last Jedi. Weaver suggested this struggle stemmed from the pressure to create a definitive Star Wars film, rather than embracing the expanding universe.
Author's Summary
Sigourney Weaver welcomes the Star Wars franchise's new storytelling freedom, hopeful that this fresh direction will lead to engaging and varied narratives beyond a single defining saga.