Sigourney Weaver is stepping into Star Wars, and it sounds like she fits right in.
The legendary sci-fi actress joins The Mandalorian and Grogu as Colonel Ward, a New Republic officer who sends Din Djarin and Grogu on a dangerous mission to track down and Imperial warlord still clinging to the remains of the Empire.
But according to Weaver, Ward’s connection to the larger Star Wars timeline runs deeper than just giving orders.
While speaking about the upcoming film, Weaver explained that director Jon Favreau already had a strong understanding of who Ward was before they started shooting.
“I think Jon knew very clearly that she was the same generation as Princess Leia, so she would have come up with her and the other rebels fighting against the evil Empire to establish this fledgling Republic.”
“And I think it’s a very important job she’s in as a commanding officer out in the middle of nowhere. There’s no cavalry coming to save them if something goes wrong.
“And she has to, I think, make a very quick judgment. She’s already hired Mando and Grogu. She hasn’t met them.
“So, I’m looking at this man who’s wearing a helmet, and I can’t see his eyes, and this little green person who just wants snacks, and I’m sending them out on a really important mission to capture and bring back alive a really bad guy.
“And so, she ends up trusting her instincts. I think women have very good gut instincts about people and situations, and you see her have to make that call.”
Ward isn’t some distant politician sitting safely behind a desk. She’s someone who fought through the chaos of the Rebellion and is now trying to hold together a fragile New Republic while dangerous Imperial remnants are still causing problems across the galaxy.
Weaver also opened up about joining the long line of iconic women in Star Wars, and she clearly appreciates becoming part of that legacy.
“I’ve always loved the variety of characters and worlds in Star Wars, and I do feel part of an incredible pantheon of strong women.
“Felicity in Rogue, and certainly Carrie as Princess Leia. But, I don’t think there are as many as there are men, so I think it’s really cool that I get to join this ensemble.”
Ward’s mission in the film apparently comes with some morally gray alliances, too. Din Djarin is recruited to hunt down the mysterious Commander Coin with help from the Hutt Twins, who offer information in exchange for rescuing Rotta the Hutt, now grown up after first appearing in The Clone Wars movie.
That arrangement doesn’t exactly sit well with Mando, but Ward sees the bigger picture.
“Because I think she hopes that the Republic is going to get more out of it, and, unfortunately, they have to go through the Hutts to get the information they need,” Weaver explains.
“Because the Hutts will deliver an even more valuable bad guy to them, and sometimes you have to have strange bedfellows in war.”
And if anyone thought Weaver would spend the movie standing around in a command center giving briefings, think again.
She’s getting thrown directly into the action, including piloting an X-wing during a major sequence.
“I couldn’t believe that I was flying an X-wing and in a squadron,” she says. “And, in fact, it was very exciting to be in the machine itself and learn how to manipulate it. But, it’s really incredible, then, to experience the movie, and those great shots where the squadron flies overhead of the audience, and know that you’re the lead pilot.
“It transfers to the screen so beautifully, and in a classic Star Wars way. So, it’s all part of this big climax at the end, and so I was thrilled. I mean, it’s like the job that keeps on giving.”
Weaver doesn’t have a huge role in the film, but it is pretty awesome to see her in action in the Star Wars universe!
The Mandalorian and Grogu hits theaters on May 22.
Source: GamesRadar
