Star Wars: Episode VII adds Lupita Nyong'o to cast

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When director J.J. Abrams announced the Star Wars: Episode VII cast in April, many of us wondered, "Where are the women?"

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Well, wonder no longer.

Lucasfilm just announced that Twelve Years a Slave actress Lupita Nyong'o, who earlier this year won the Academy Award for best supporting actress, has joined the film's cast along with Game of Thrones actress Gwendoline Christie. Christie plays Brienne of Tarth on the hit HBO series.

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No word yet on the parts these talented women will be playing, but after Nyongo's breathtaking performance as Patsy in Twelve Years a Slave, we can't imagine her playing any wilting violets. Christie's 6-foot-3-inch frame and swordsmanship skills tells us it's a safe bet the British actress will be putting her impressive height and physical prowess to good use in the film as well.

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Nyong'o and Christie join Star Wars newcomers Adam Driver (Girls), Andy Serkis, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis), Domhnall Gleeson and Max von Sydow, along with original cast members Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker.

Star Wars: Episode VII is slated to open in theaters Dec. 18, 2015.