‘Star Wars: Episode 7′ Adds Oscar-Winner Lupita Nyong’o and ‘Game of Thrones’ Star Gwendoline Christie
Remember how, back when 'Star Wars: Episode 7' announced its primary cast members, one of the primary complaints was how few female roles there were? We soon learned that casting wasn't technically over yet, and now all the haters can eat their words as Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong'o and 'Game of Thrones' favorite Gwendoline Christie have been added to the cast.
All those think pieces on the lack of female roles seem superfluous now, no?
While we were already aware that Nyong'o was one of the candidates director J.J. Abrams was looking at for 'Star Wars: Episode 7,' Lucasfilm made the official announcement today, weeks after revealing most of the acting talent. Details of Nyong'o and Gwendoline's roles are, unsurprisingly, under wraps.
Said Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy:
I could not be more excited about Lupita and Gwendoline joining the cast of 'Episode VII.' It's thrilling to see this extraordinarily talented ensemble taking shape.
Nyong'o made her award-winning, breakout debut in Steve McQueen's '12 Years a Slave,' earning her the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress; while Christie is known as the tough-as-nails warrioress Brienne/Jaime Lannister's bestie in HBO's 'Game of Thrones,' and was also recently cast in 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1' and 'Part 2.'
Aside from the recently leaked 'Star Wars: Episode 7' set photos, we know (so far) that the film will take place approximately 30 years after 'Return of the Jedi' and will focus on a new trio of young leads. Original franchise stars Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) and Kenny Baker (R2-D2) will all reprise their roles for the next installment, while new addition Adam Driver is said to play a villain.
Other newcomers already aboard are Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson and Max von Sydow. Until Lucasfilm makes further announcements, other details can surely be gleaned by over-analyzing this photo right HERE.
'Star Wars: Episode 7' will hit theaters December 18, 2015.