‘Star Wars: Episode VII’ Cast Adds Two Great Actresses, Plus Revealing Set Photos

Very interesting news from a galaxy far, far away. First, it has been officially announced that Academy Award Winner Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave) and Gwendoline Christie (Game of Throne, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2) have joined the cast of “Star Wars: Episode VII”.

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said the following:

“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.”

After the initial reveal of the cast some people criticized the fact that only one actress was seated at the table read, Daisy Ridley. Now fans are reassured that not only more female characters will appear, but also that it may be the most diverse Star Wars film ever. Event when their names many not “sound Hispanic,” remember that both Nyong’o and Oscar Issac were born in Latin America and speak Spanish.

Take a look at some recent work of these two great young performers in these videos.

Potential spoilers ahead!

In 5 years, this the first time I share something that TMZ has published. In general we stay away from leaked set photos, in part because everything looks bad (costumes, props, actors, etc.). But a couple of the 40+ photos they have are worth taking a look at. Specially the aw-inspiring creature, that it is rumored to be mechanically operated from the inside.

The best part is that this confirms what many believed, including myself, after watching that J.J. Abrams video promoting the new charitable initiative: That turtle-like alien was a included to let the world know that this wasn’t going to be a CGI orgy like Lucas’ prequels.

Star Wars: Episode VII is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing and John Williams returns as the composer. The movie opens worldwide on December 18, 2015.