'Best Kept Secret!': Star Wars Episode VII Cast Welcome New Arrivals Lupita Nyong'o And Gwendoline Christie

The cast of Star Wars Episode VII have welcomed their new additions, Gwendoline Christie and Lupita Nyong'o, following the big news yesterday that the ladies will be joining JJ Abrams' movie.

The big announcement was made on the Star Wars Twitter page on Monday, but there's no word yet on what parts Game of Thrones star Gwendoline and 12 Years a Slave Oscar-winner Lupita will be playing in the movie.

Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy told Starwars.com that she was thrilled to have the talented actresses on board.

Gwendoline is a GoT favourite (WENN)

"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."

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Lupita herself voiced her excitement on Twitter, writing: "I can finally say it out loud and proud: I'm going to a galaxy far far away!"

The star's new castmate John Boyega was one of the first to retweet the announcement, as he added to his Twitter fans: "Best kept secret! These women are going to be epic!"

Lupita has long been linked to Episode VII (WENN)

Lupita has been linked to Abrams' movie for months following a reported meeting between the director and actress around the time she picked up her Oscar in March. Yesterday's news follows the initial casting announcement in May, which revealed that Boyega along with Daisy Ridely, Domhnall Gleeson, Andy Serkis and Adam Driver would be joining returning stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford.

There was widespread criticism after the first announcement over the lack of female talent in the cast, but with yesterday's additions it looks like Abrams' movie is shaping up to be an all-star affair.

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