Last year Disney and Lucasfilm embarked on a talent search for Star Wars: Episode VII, launching an open casting call across the States and the UK which resulted in over 67,000 applications, and now it has been announced that two entrants have secured roles in the eagerly-anticipated sequel.
According to the official Star Wars site American actress Crystal Clarke (The Moon and the Sun) and British actor and parkour practitioner Pip Andersen (who recently demonstrated his skills in a Spider-Man ad for Sony) have both signed on for unrevealed roles in the J.J. Abrams-directed Episode VII.
“The Star Wars universe has always been about discovering and nurturing young talent and in casting Episode VII we wanted to remain absolutely faithful to this tradition,” states Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy. “We are delighted that so many travelled to see us at the open casting calls and that we have been able to make Crystal and Pip a part of the film.”
Star Wars: Episode VII is set for release on December 18th 2015, with returning stars Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Kenny Baker (R2-D2) and Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) joined by Adam Driver (Girls), Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis), Andy Serkis (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes), Domhnall Gleeson (Dredd), John Boyega (Attack the Block), Daisy Ridley (Silent Witness), Gwendoline Christie (Game of Thrones), Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave) and Max von Sydow (The Exorcist).
Originally published July 6, 2014. Updated April 15, 2018.
