The Mandalorian & Grogu (2026) marks Star Wars’ return to theaters. Directed by Jon Favreau and co-written by new Lucasfilm co-President Dave Filoni, the film continues the story of Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu, while introducing new characters, including Sigourney Weaver’s Colonel Ward and Rotta the Hutt, voiced by Jeremy Allen White.
Related: ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu' Could Be Duo's Final Appearance, Replacements Possible : Disney Fanatic
Weaver’s role has now drawn attention following comments about her character’s place in the wider Star Wars timeline. Speaking in the latest issue of Empire Magazine (via SFFGazette.com), the actor revealed that Ward shares a history with Princess Leia.
Weaver described Ward as a “military leader” and “crack pilot,” adding that she and Leia “go way back” within the franchise's canon.
“To be playing someone who is from that time, and from that history, who would have been a cohort of these guys, is a great honor,” she said. “The ’70s, all the unrest, fighting against the [Vietnam] war. People had that sense of unity. It clicks into a whole thing for George Lucas, and I’m the same generation.”
Filoni offered further context, explaining that Ward is part of a group of Rebel leaders that includes Leia, Mon Mothma, Hera Syndulla, and Amilyn Holdo.
He added that they “really went through it” during the conflict with the Galactic Empire and played a role in its downfall.
These comments naturally raise questions about whether Leia could appear in the film. While nothing has been confirmed, Star Wars has a track record of bringing legacy characters into newer projects.
Luke Skywalker’s appearance in The Mandalorian Season 2 remains one of the most widely discussed examples. Mark Hamill returned through de-aging technology in a sequence that quickly became a defining moment for the series.
Years before that, Lucasfilm used similar techniques in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), which included both Grand Moff Tarkin (Peter Cushing) and a young Leia, who was played by Ingvild Deila with Carrie Fisher's digital likeness superimposed onto the actress.
With The Mandalorian & Grogu set a few years after Return of the Jedi (1983), we know that Leia is active during this period, even if she remains off-screen. However, given Lucasfilm’s approach in recent years, a surprise appearance is possible.
The film releases in theaters on May 22.
