DHAKA: Oscar-winning ‘12 Years a Slave’ actress Lupita Nyong’o has joined the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII.

It has been announced, reports the BBC.

British actress Gwendoline Christie, who currently stars in Game of Thrones as warrior Brienne of Tarth, has also been cast in the production.

The news was announced on the Star Wars website, although it did not say what roles the actresses would play.

Star Wars: Episode VII is due in cinemas on 18 December 2015.

‘I could not be more excited about Lupita and Gwendoline joining the cast of Episode VII,’ Lucasfilm president and producer Kathleen Kennedy said.

‘It’s thrilling to see this extraordinarily talented ensemble taking shape.’

BDST: 1340 HRS, JUNE 03, 2014