Sigourney Weaver earns TCL Chinese Theatre honor, enters Star Wars universe

Sigourney Weaver was honored with a hand and footprint ceremony at TCL Chinese Theatre on Friday and announced her debut in the Star Wars franchise, joining co-star Pedro Pascal in the upcoming film "The Mandalorian and Grogu," according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

The ceremony marks a milestone in Weaver's decades-spanning career across landmark science fiction franchises, as she expands her legacy by entering one of Hollywood's most successful film universes.

Filmmaker James Cameron, who directed Weaver in the "Avatar" franchise, attended Friday's ceremony and spoke to her enduring influence on cinema. "Sigourney basically created the ultimate icon of female badassery in cinema, which I think stands to this day," Cameron said, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. "You were the intelligent woman that the men didn't listen to, and they all got wiped out. And let that be a lesson to us all."

Pedro Pascal, who serves as her co-star in "The Mandalorian and Grogu," credited Weaver as a founding figure in the science fiction genre. "I've been playing a space dad in the 'Star Wars' universe for eight years now, but Sigourney Weaver is the original space mom," Pascal said.

Weaver expressed deep gratitude at the ceremony. "To become part of this cavalcade of stars this pantheon of incredible talents from every aspect of the business is the greatest honor I can think of," she said.

The event included a preview clip of Weaver's forthcoming role in the Star Wars film. Reflecting on her career, she described a philosophy of following stories wherever they lead. "I've been able to hummingbird my way from one story to another, from one amazing character to another, one decade to another, following great stories no matter where they lead me, and I've worked with the most wonderful people," she said.

Weaver also drew laughter and applause with an offhand remark about the unusual nature of the honor. "You know, if you're gonna end up on your knees on Hollywood Boulevard, this is by far the best scenario," she said.

Weaver's film career spans more than four decades, encompassing the "Alien" franchise and the ongoing "Avatar" series directed by Cameron.