Lupita Nyong'o and Gwendoline Christie have finally been added to the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. It has been rumoured for some time that 12 Years a Slave star Lupita had been picked for the sci-fi reboot in her first live action role since winning her Oscar this year and now we have the confirmation.

In the latest wave of casting announcements since the big reveal at the end of April, Lupita is joined by Game of Thrones star Gwendoline Christie in Jj Abrams addition to George Lucas' much-loved franchise. "I can finally say it out loud and proud: I'm going to a galaxy far far away!" Nyong'o excitedly posted via Instagram.

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"BREAKING: Lupita Nyong'o & Gwendoline Christie have joined the cast of #StarWarsVII!" tweeted the official Star Wars Twitter account. The actress' addition comes after a previous announcement that Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) and Kenny Baker (R2-D2) would be returning to the movies.


The original core cast will be joined by series newcomers Nyong'o, Christie, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson and Max von Sydow, who will all play new characters in the 2015 blockbuster.

The latest reveal also ends speculation over Lupita's post-Oscars projects: the 31 year-old has been fairly quiet on her plans for the next year apart from confirming a voiceover role in the upcoming Jungle Book remake. Though her Star Wars part has not yet been named, it has been rumoured that she'll play Asaaj Ventress, a Sith villain-turned-bounty hunter from the Star Wars: The Clone Wars television series whose fate was never revealed.

More: Gwendoline Christie admits to feeling "genderless" because of her height.

Meanwhile Gwendoline Christie, who is known for playing Brienne of Tarth in HBO's fantasy series, is now confidently making her foray into the world of blockbusters with confirmed roles in both the Star Wars movie and the upcoming Hunger Games picture.

Star Wars: Episode VII will be released in December 2015.

Lupita Nyong'o
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