By With Star Wars: Episode VII‘s 2015 release date getting closer and closer, we have some more casting news. After the major reveal in April, we have a two new women joining a crew that was severely lacking in them. Thankfully, these two women also happen to be badasses. First we have Lupita Nyong’o, fresh off of her 12 Years a Slave win, and Gwendoline Christie, who’s breakout Brienne of Tarth is my favorite Game of Thrones character.
No roles have been confirmed yet (of course), but seeing as how we have to wait until December 18, 2015, we probably won’t get any juicier stuff until then. Still, this is great news! Star Wars is already looking far more diverse than ever! The press release is below the cut.
[via Star Wars]Lupita Nyong’o joins the recently announced cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. This year, her breakthrough performance in 12 Years a Slave earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Gwendoline Christie, currently starring in the hit television series Game of Thrones as Brienne of Tarth, has also been cast in the production. She can next be seen in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2.
“I could not be more excited about Lupita and Gwendoline joining the cast of Episode VII,” says Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. “It’s thrilling to see this extraordinarily talented ensemble taking shape.”
Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow will join the original stars of the Saga Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.
Star Wars: Episode VII is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing and John Williams returns as the composer. The movie opens worldwide on December 18, 2015.