On April 18, American actor Sigourney Weaver made a surprise appearance at Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025, a festival for fans of the sci-fi film Star Wars, which is being held at Makuhari Messe (Mihama-ku, Chiba City).
Weaver will appear as a new cast member in the film "The Mandalorian" (directed by Jon Favreau), which is scheduled to be released in 2026, and when she appeared on stage at the event with lead actor Pedro Pascal, the audience erupted in cheers.
When Weaver received the offer to appear in the film, she watched the series and said she "was fascinated by the characters," and in particular, "I was fascinated by Grogu..." Director Favreau then appeared from backstage holding Grogu, which was actually used in filming, exciting fans even more.
"Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu" is set five years after the death of Darth Vader and the collapse of the Empire, and the galaxy has become a lawless place. The Mandalorian, a ruthless, solitary bounty hunter who follows the strict rules of his clan and does not show his true face to others, and who carries out any job perfectly, accepts a job. The job is to deliver Grogu, also known as "The Child," who is said to have great Force powers and change the world, alive to the client. The Mandalorian once handed Grogu over in exchange for a large reward, but feeling a mysterious connection to him, he breaks the rules of his clan and recaptures Grogu. During their journey, the two gradually develop a bond like that of a father and son. However, they are pursued by remnants of the old Imperial Army, who want to obtain Grogu's powers at all costs... This is the story. The movie will be released simultaneously in Japan and the United States on May 22, 2026.
"Star Wars Celebration" is a large-scale fan event that was first held in the United States in 1999 and has since been held 15 times in the UK, Germany, Japan, etc. This will be the second time it is held in Japan in 17 years.
