'Star Wars Episode 7' Casts Lupita Nyong'o, 'Game of Thrones' Actress Gwendoline Christie In J.J. Abrams' Production

Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o and "Game of Thrones" star Gwendoline Christie have officially joined the "Star Wars: Episode 7" cast, according to a news release.

Nyong'o and Christie join cast newcomers John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson and Max von Sydow.  The film will also star original cast members Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Kenny Baker.

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

Nyong'o won an Oscar for her performance in "12 Years A Slave" and Christie keeps landing major roles.  The "Game of Thrones" actress will appears in "The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay" Part 1 and 2 as Commander Lyme.

In other "Star Wars" news, the first images of the "Episode 7" set have leaked online showing off elaborate costumes, characters and more.

TMZ has published 45 behind-the-scenes images of the "Star Wars" set in Abu Dhabi.  One of the photographs includes a never-before-seen alien on set, which allegedly takes a crew of men to move.

"Jedi sources tell us the new alien was manned by 5 men inside it's belly and was used in two scenes taking place in what looks like a Tatooine marketplace (Star Wars nerds get it)," TMZ reports.  "According to reports, producers intend to use less CG in the new movies- instead, relying heavily on practical effects like the original trilogy, which is evident in these photos."

You can check out the images for yourself here.  "Star Wars Episode 7" will be released to theaters on Dec. 18, 2015.

What do you think about Nyong'o and Christie's casting in the film?  Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.