Lupita Nyong'o Joins the Cast of Star Wars Episode VII

Academy Award Winner Lupita Nyong'o will be joining the cast of "Star Wars Episode VII", according to major media outlets. The film has already nabbed stars Adam Driver (HBO's Girls) and Oscar Isaac ("Inside Llewyn Davis"), Andy Serkis, and Oscar nominee Max Von Sydow in addition to past Star Wars stars Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill.

It is unknown at this time what role Nyong'o (or any of the other stars) will be playing, but this is certainly a huge moment in her career. After winning the Oscar, Nyong'o appeared in the Liam Neeson thriller "Non-Stop", but had very minimal lines and screen time. Hopefully her appearance in the film opens up more doors for her. I'd like to see her cast in a role that brought out the same level of mastery we saw her dish out as Patsey in "12 Years A Slave".

Also joining Nyong'o is "Game of Thrones" star is Gwendoline Christie. Her performance as Brienne of Tarth has won her a coveted fan base who are no doubt very eager to see the 6-foot-3 actress take on another kick ass role. You can also look for her in the final installments to the "Hunger Games" saga in both parts 1 and 2 of "Mockingjay" as Commander Lyme.

The film will be directed by J.J. Abrams ("Super 8") and is set to be released on December 18, 2015.