Three-time Academy Award-nominee Sigourney Weaver is a true legend of the sci-fi genre, having appeared in the likes of Ghostbusters, Avatar, and, of course, the Alien movies, which she led as the iconic Ellen Ripley in the first four films prior to the franchise being revived with Ridley Scott's Prometheus in 2012.
Weaver also played the villain in Netflix's The Defenders series, but her MCU stint was short-lived when her character was killed-off by Elektra.
Fans have often wondered if Weaver might take a trip to the Galaxy Far, Far Away at some point, and last year, the trades reported that she was in talks for a key role in Lucasfilm's The Mandalorian and Grogu.
During a recent interview with Deadline, Weaver confirmed that she has signed on for the movie and is set to begin shooting very soon.
"I’m playing a role in The Mandalorian & Grogu [which will be directed by Jon Favreau]. I got to meet Grogu for the first time the other day. I’m filming that before I go to London for The Tempest at the end of the year."
Weaver didn't reveal anything specific about her character, but The Hot Mic's Jeff Sneider has now shared some intriguing details.
Apparently, Weaver will play a New Republic Colonel named Bishop. As any Aliens fan worth their salt will be aware, this would seem to be a nod to Lance Henriksen's android character in James Cameron's sequel.
We have heard that Weaver will play a villain, so perhaps this Colonel Bishop will turn out to be a traitor to the cause.
Sneider also confirmed previous rumors that Jon Favreau did direct some of the action remotely for about three weeks after contracting COVID.
Favreau is set to direct and produce the big-screen spin-off, with Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and chief creative officer Dave Filoni also serving as producers.
Pedro Pascal will return as Din Djarin, but the extent of his involvement (he may only voice the character for the majority of his scenes) in unclear, as he was busy shooting Marvel Studios' The Fantastic Four: First Steps when the Star Wars movie was filming. The Bear's Jeremy Allen White is set to play Rotta the Hutt (presumably via motion capture).
The Clone Wars bounty hunter, Embo, is also rumored to be the main villain, but this has yet to be confirmed.
The Mandalorian & Grogu is set to hit theaters on May 22, 2026