The cast of Star Wars: Episode VII just got two more members: they’ve added Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave) and Game of Thrones‘ Gwendoline Christie. It’s been rumored that Nyong’o would join the cast, but Christie is a complete and total surprise. They are both talented and up and coming actresses, and it’s a relief that more women are joining the Episode VII line-up. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy states, “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.”
We, of course, don’t have any details about the roles Nyong’o and Christie are taking on. Given Christie’s commitment to Game of Thrones and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2, her schedule may not be as flexible as Nyong’o’s, but that doesn’t necessarily mean she has a smaller role. If Lucasfilm is issuing a release to announce the casting, I’m going to guess these women don’t have bit parts. I don’t think either of them is a Nien Nunb.
Though I know Episode VII won’t follow the Star Wars Expanded Universe, Christie would be well suited for a character such as Ysanne Isard. She served as the Director of Imperial Intelligence and stepped into lead the Empire after Palpatine’s death. Isard is formidable, coldhearted, and deadly. As we’ve seen from her part as Brienne of Tarth on Game of Thrones, Christie is more than capable of portraying an imposing figure. I’d love to see her as an antagonist.
As far as who Nyong’o will play, I don’t have a guess. I’m hoping she’s a hero and one of the leads. She’s a powerhouse and could carry the film as the primary protagonist.
Nyong’o and Christie join John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in Episode VII.
What do you think about these additions? Jump to the comments and let us know.
HT: StarWars.com
You mention that the movie won’t follow the expanded universe (now dubbed legends) and I’ve heard this many times. Could someone please explain why they would not make sure that these new films (and tv shows) would not fit into this rich universe that lucasfilm has created in all the dozens of novels and other media. Makes Sense, it does not?
VERY happy to these quality actors involved!
Ok, I was planning on not reading anything star wars news related until the films were done, but this I actually care about!
Intriguing!
(I am crossing my fingers and my toes that they don’t turn great actors into wooden POS-performances like the prequels did…)
now that we have more women, the movie is guarantied to be a hit, hooray!!!!!
Lupita could play either Alema Rar or Lumiya, but that could mean that Gwendoline isn’t playing Isard.
Then again they are reworking the EU, so they could make it work.
Let’s all remember this moment when people say that online activism doesn’t do anything, shall we?
It’s only 2, but this seems to me a clear indication that they heard what people were saying and responded in a way they could.
I think this was in the works long before the 1st cast announcement, not a reaction to it. Finalizing contracts takes time.
That being said, these ladies rock and I can’t wait to see them in action.