**Ming-Na Wen Celebrates Her Love for Star Wars at The Mandalorian Premiere**
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Ming-Na Wen, renowned for her roles in beloved franchises, has expressed her fervent enthusiasm for the Star Wars universe, defining it as her “religion.” The actress recently attended the premiere of *The Mandalorian and Grogu*, which showcased her character, Fennec Shand, alongside the beloved Grogu, also known as Baby Yoda.
At the star-studded event on May 14, Wen shared her profound connection with the franchise, emphasising her excitement for all things Star Wars. “Every single second that I can participate in a Star Wars anything, I am here for it,” she declared, indicating her unabashed devotion. Her passion is underscored by a delightful birthday gift from her husband, Eric Michael Zee, who surprised her with a life-sized bronze statue of Fennec Shand, cementing her place in this iconic universe.
Reflecting on the gift, Wen described the moment when her husband unwrapped the statue during a dinner with friends. “He kept it in our garage in a big box hidden away, and then surprised me,” she recounted with a sense of joy that highlighted the couple’s playful dynamic. Wen, who celebrated her 62nd birthday in November, has been married to Zee since 1995, and their family includes two children, Michaela and Cooper.
The actress’s love for Star Wars extends beyond personal enjoyment; she sees the franchise as a vibrant community of fans. “Star Wars fans are a community,” Wen asserted. Being part of this galaxy has allowed her to live out a childhood dream. As a fan and as an actress, she feels uniquely positioned to appreciate the franchise from both perspectives, stating, “I’m like a cult follower at this point.”
Wen expressed admiration for Dave Filoni, co-writer of *The Mandalorian and Grogu* and the current president of Lucasfilm. “He loves this world,” she said, referring to how Filoni embodies a wealth of knowledge akin to an “Encyclopedia Britannica” about the Star Wars saga. Wen’s enthusiasm for her creative collaborators further emphasised the camaraderie and passion that surrounds the franchise’s productions.
*The Mandalorian and Grogu* promises to be an exciting continuation of the beloved series, reuniting Pedro Pascal with his enigmatic green companion. Directed and co-written by Jon Favreau, the film also features a star-studded cast including Jeremy Allen White and acting legend Sigourney Weaver. Wen expressed her admiration for Weaver, fondly recalling her as “the original badass female lead.” Meeting stars such as Weaver and the iconic Mark Hamill continues to evoke a sense of wonder in her, revealing that she remains a fan at heart.
“I will be forever that nerd who is just one of the fans as much as being on this side of the carpet,” Wen joked as she reminisced about her experiences of meeting fellow stars. Her humility and genuine excitement for the industry and its innovations are part of what makes her enthusiasm relatable to fans everywhere.
As she gears up for *The Mandalorian and Grogu*, which is set to hit theatres on May 22, Wen is also looking forward to taking on new roles. One notable project includes her portrayal of Hera in the upcoming season of Disney+’s *Percy Jackson and the Olympians*, marking a continuation of her diverse career in the entertainment world.
Wen’s dedication to the Star Wars franchise, coupled with her ongoing work in various creative projects, highlights her enduring passion for storytelling. As audiences prepare to embark on another thrilling adventure in a galaxy far, far away, Wen stands as a reminder of the universal appeal of such narratives and the joy they bring to fans around the globe.