'Star Wars: Episode VII' Adds Lupita Nyong'o and Gwendoline Christie

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Image: Jordan Strauss, Evan Agostini/Invision/Associated Press

By Brian Anthony Hernandez2014-06-02 16:50:47 UTC

Breathe, people, breathe. 12 Years a Slave Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o and Game of Thrones actress Gwendoline Christie have been summoned to join the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII , Lucasfilm revealed Monday.

The two new additions bring additional star power to the major casting announcement from April, when Lucasfilm confirmed the Star Wars universe's newest members (John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson and Max von Sydow) and the saga's returning crew (Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Kenny Baker).

See also: 'Star Wars: Episode VII' Photos Leak: What Is This Alien Creature?

Nyong’o, who won best supporting actress at this year's Academy Awards, was among the rumored potential big-name gets for Episode VII, and Monday's confirmation seems to be getting glowing responses online thus far.

Christie comes as surprise to many, though she'll be a more than welcome contributor and familiar face because of her portrayal of Brienne of Tarth on HBO's Game of Thrones.

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

The Star Wars Episode VII team assembles with director J.J. Abrams.

Their roles — as well as every new additions' roles — are still unknown, but that hasn't stopped us from guessing. The J.J. Abrams-directed Star Wars: Episode VII debuts Dec. 18, 2015.

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Topics: Entertainment, Film, Star Wars, Star Wars Episode VII