Sigourney Weaver, who joins the franchise after starring in films including Alien and Avatar, said the emotional storytelling was part of the appeal of joining the project.
“When I was asked to join I was thrilled and I love my character,” she said.
“I’m proud to play a commander, I like her very much and she trusts Mando and the little gremlin.”
It’s an added bonus that she’s become the favourite aunt with her nieces and nephews thanks to “Disney sending me quite a few lightsabers”.
Grogu, who is the same unnamed species as Yoda, has become a pop culture phenomenon through internet memes, merchandise and social media.
The cast are tight lipped on whether Grogu speaks in the film, but both Pascal and Weaver gush over his qualities.
“I love the little hairs on his head, his ears, how expressive he is and his nails,” Weaver said.
“He’s even had a manicure for the event so we know who the real star is,” Pascal joked.