Lupita Nyong'o and Gwedoline Christie join Star Wars

Fresh from her Oscar-winning turn in 12 Years A Slave, Lupita Nyong’o is about to become part of The Star Wars universe.

She joins Game Of Thrones’ Gwendoline Christie (Brienne of Tarth in the swords and dragons epic) as the latest pair of cast members to join J. J. Abrams forthcoming blockbuster, which, as we think you'll agree, are moves sure to ease concerns from those who deemed the cast so far as lacking in female characters.

“I could not be more excited about Lupita and Gwendoline joining the cast of Episode VII,” said Lucasfilm honcho Kathleen Kennedy. “It’s thrilling to see this extraordinarily talented ensemble taking shape.”

The move is currently being shot in Abu Dhabi with a release date slated for December 18, 2015. Our expectations have risen once more.

And if you're unsure as to who the rest of the cast are, look no further than this handy guide.

(Images: Rex Features)