When the cast was first announced for Star Wars: Episode VII, many including myself were excited and disappointed in the lack of diversity in the cast as well as Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o not being cast since rumors had abounded that she was someone the movie runners had an eye on.
Well folks, we can rejoice as it was announced today that Lupita had indeed been cast in addition to Game of Thrones actress Gwendoline Christie. As of right now, we don’t know what roles the two actresses will play. Personally I would love to see Lupita as a Jedi or as the former Sith apprentice AsajjVentress.
Previously, Lupita was seen on the big screen in 12 Years a Slave where she won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress) and Non-Stop which starred Liam Nesson, a Star Wars alum. On Game of Thrones, Christie plays the knight Brienne of Tarth.
In the announcement posted on StarWars.com, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said: “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.”
Now I’m truly excited for this film. Lupita and Gwendoline join fellow actors, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow. They will join the original stars of the Star Wars, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.
Star Wars: Episode VII is directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay written by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. With Kathleen Kennedy, Abrams, and Bryan Burk producing and John Williams returning to compose the score. The galaxy far, far away will visit theaters December 18, 2015.
