Star Wars Episode 7 cast, plot rumors: Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o in talks for lead role?

Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o has been tipped to have a part in the upcoming Star Wars Episode 7 film.

The 31-year-old won her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "12 Years A Slave."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, prior to her taking on the role of Patsey in the critically acclaimed and Oscar winning movie, Nyong'o reportedly met with director J. J. Abrams about a potential role in playing an offspring of Obi-Wan Kenobi in Stars Wars Episode 7.

The casting news has remained under wraps but the rumor mill continues on who will take on lead roles in the film.

It has been reported that Adam Driver is also in negotiations to play a villain.

"Sherlock" star Benedict Cumberbatch was previously rumored to join the cast but he previously disclaimed those rumors by saying, "No offer has been made. That is that. And that is that!" With no roles confirmed yet, others thrown into the mix are fellow Brits Rachel Hurd-Wood and Alex Pettyfer, and American heart throbs Ryan Gosling and Zac Efron.

Star Wars Episode 7 is expected to begin filming in May this year with an anticipated premiere date set for December 18, 2015. The film is part of the planned third trilogy in the Star Wars films.

The screenplay was originally planned to be written by Michael Arndt, but was taken up by Lawrence Kasdan and J. J. Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy and Bryan Burk will produce the film.

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