NEW YORK (AP) — Three months after winning an Oscar, Lupita Nyong’o is going to a galaxy far, far away.

The
Walt Disney Co. announced Monday that Nyong’o is joining the cast of
"Star Wars: Episode VII." The 31-year-old actress became a breakthrough
star for her award-winning performance in "12 Years a Slave."
Also added to the cast was Gwendoline Christie, best known for playing the hulking Brienne of Tarth on
HBO’s "Game of Thrones."
When
the principal cast of "Episode VII" was announced last month, the lack
of women raised some eyebrows. Nyong’o and Christie join an ensemble
that includes John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac and
Andy Serkis.
Production is underway for the movie, which is being directed by J.J. Abrams. It’s slated to open in
December 2015.
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