Lupita Nyong'o Joins “Star Wars: Episode VII” Cast

Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong'o is heading to a galaxy far, far away.

It was announced Monday on StarWars.com that Nyong'o is joining the cast of "Star Wars: Episode VII." Nyong'o, 31, was named best supporting actress at the Academy Awards in March for her role in "12 Years a Slave."

British actress Gwendoline Christie, currently starring in the hit television series "Game of Thrones" as Brienne of Tarth, was also named to the cast.

"I could not be more excited about Lupita and Gwendoline joining the cast of 'Episode VII,'" said Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy in a statement. "It's thrilling to see this extraordinarily talented ensemble taking shape."

Information regarding their characters was not released. 

Nyong'o and Chrisite will feature alongside John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow, as well as original stars of the franchise Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

The casting news was revealed the same day images from the "Episode VII" location shoot in Abu Dhabi were leaked online via TMZ. They show new alien creatures and vehicles from the highly-anticapted next chapter of the science-fiction saga directed by J.J. Abrams.

"Star Wars: Episode VII" opens worldwide on December 18, 2015. 

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