'Star Wars: Episode VII' Adds 2 Cast Members
By Alex Stedman
In a new update on Sunday, Disney announced that two new actors, Crystal Clarke and Pip Andersen, have been added to the cast, and that Harrison Ford’s injury will cause a brief halt in production next month.
American actress Clarke is currently studying in the U.K. Her first feature, “The Moon and the Sun,” will debut in 2015.
Andersen is a British actor and parkour practitioner, who showcased his skills in a 2012 ad for Sony.
It’s unclear which roles the two newcomers will play. In November, Disney did issue a casting call for two characters named Rachel, a “beautiful, smart and athletic” 17-to-18-year-old woman, and Thomas, a “handsome, smart and athletic” 19-23-year-old man.
SEE ALSO: Rian Johnson to Write, Direct ‘Episode VIII’
“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. 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,” said Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy in a statement.
The fact that the two additions are relative unknowns isn’t a surprise, based on Disney’s previous casting for the highly-anticipated film. One of the leads, Daisy Ridley, has few major credits, the most notable being a guest starring role on PBS show “Mr. Selfridge.”
Clarke and Andersen join the already announced cast of Ridley, Ford, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Carrie Fisher and Max von Sydow.
SEE ALSO: ‘Star Wars” Next Challenge: Making Its Cast Matter
In the announcement on the Star Wars website is also an update on Harrison Ford’s injury. He is “doing well” after breaking his leg following a bad ankle injury on set, but production will pause for two weeks in August “while adjustments to the current production schedule are made,” according to the statement.
Principal photography is currently taking place in London’s Pinewood Studios. The J.J. Abrams-directed film wrapped shooting on location in Abu Dhabi in May.
“Star Wars: Episode VII” is still on track to release on Dec. 18, 2015.
Related stories
Film Review: ‘Planes: Fire & Rescue’
Smart Promo: Marvel Launches Space Travel Agency for ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’
Will Japan’s ‘Tsum Tsum’ Characters Translate in the U.S. for Disney?
Get more from Variety and Variety411: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter
