Lupita Nyong’o Joins Cast of ‘Star Wars: Episode VII’

Lupita Nyong’o at the 2014 Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala

Amid the frenzy surrounding 12 Years a Slave star Lupita Nyong’o , there were  fans who were far more interested is seeing her have more film opportunities than fashion magazine covers.

Well, not only is the Oscar-winning Kenyan actress bringing Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie ’s best-selling novel Americanah to the silver screen, she has joined the cast of J. J. Abrams ‘ anticipated Star Wars Episode VII .

The exciting news broke in the form of two casting announcements, one of which includes Game of Thrones ‘ Gwendoline Christie .

“I can finally say it out loud and proud: I’m going to a galaxy far far away!” Lupita posed on her Instagram account.

Details about the ladies’ perspective roles or their prominence has not yet been revealed.

“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.”

Lupita and Gwendoline are cast alongside original Star Wars stars Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker , along with fellow newcomers to the franchise, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson , and Max von Sydow .

Star Wars: Episode VII is set to hit theaters on December 18, 2015.

Author