Casting news for Star Wars Episode VII continues to trickle with the announcement of Best Supporting Actress winner Lupita Nyong’o in a currently undisclosed role. Any Star Wars casting announcement is big news for the saga’s legions of fans, but it is also a significant achievement for the young actress, who won numerous awards for her role as Patsey in 12 Years A Slave. Also announced for Episode VII is British actress Gwendoline Christie, who plays the loyal woman warrior Brienne of Tarth on the hit HBO fantasy series, Game of Thrones. As with Lupita, it is unclear whom Christie will be playing in Star Wars, but standing at six feet three inches, it’s likely to be someone of imposing stature. Lupita and Christie join the ensemble alongside returning cast members Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher, as well as new castmates Max Von Sydow, Oscar Isaac, and Andy Serkis. The story is reportedly set 30 years after the events of Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi and has a December 18, 2015 release date.