Lupita Nyong'O, GOT's 'Lady Brienne' join Star Wars cast

MANILA, Philippines - Lupita Nyong'O and "Lady Brienne" of the hit series Game of Thrones are joining the cast of "Star Wars: Episode VII."

Lukasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy announced the casting of Nyong'O and Gwendoline Christie, the famous Brienne of Tarth of Game of Thrones.

Christie will also be part of "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2."

"I could not be more excited about Lupita and Gwendoline joining the cast of Episode VII," said Kennedy. "It's thrilling to see this extraordinarily talented ensemble taking shape."

The other members of the cast earlier announced were John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow.

They will join the original Star Wars cast members Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker.

J.J. Abrams is directing the film from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams.

The movie opens worldwide on Dec. 18, 2015.