Lupita Nyong’o stars in new ‘Star Wars’ film

Oscar-winning actress, Lupita Nyong’o, has been cast in the upcoming “Star Wars: Episode VII,” Walt Disney Co’s Lucas film said on Monday.

Nyong’o, whose first major film role last year in “12 Years a Slave,” earned her the Academy Award for best supporting actress, will join Gwendoline Christie, of HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” in the film.

Their roles have not been announced.

Nyong’o, 31, a Kenyan, born in Mexico and educated at Yale University, became the darling of this year’s Hollywood awards season for her emotionally raw portrayal of Patsey.

Her fashion choices on the red carpet also earned her rave reviews.

“Star Wars: Episode VII,” will open worldwide on 18 December, 2015, and will also star Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, John Boyega and Daisy Ridley.

The film, directed by “Star Trek” filmmaker J.J. Abrams, will also feature original “Star Wars” actors Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill.

Disney has promised three new instalments in George Lucas’ six-film saga after it purchased Lucas film in 2012 for $4.05 billion.

Disney also plans to release “Star Wars” spinoff films that are considered standalones from the saga.