The Mexico born Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o has officially joined the cast of Star Wars Episode VII.

 She has been long rumored to be joining the cast, will be joined by Game of Thrones’ actress Gwendoline Christie.

A press release by Disney and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy confirmed the report, saying: ‘I could not be more excited about Lupita and Gwendoline joining the cast of Episode VII, It’s thrilling to see this extraordinarily talented ensemble taking shape.

Lupita will reportedly play the part of Obi-Wan Kenobi’s granddaughter. ‘I can finally say it out loud and proud: I’m going to a galaxy far far away!‘, the Kenyan beauty wrote on her Instagram.

Star Wars: Episode VII‘ is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer. The movie opens worldwide on Friday, December 18, 2015.