Star Wars 7: Lupita Nyong'o Up For Role In J.J. Abrams' Film

Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong'o has met with, and may sign on for, a key role in J.J. Abrams' Star Wars Episode 7. The 12 Years A Slave star reportedly is "extremely close" to playing a role not related to the original trilogy. It may be a Sith or a descendant of Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Latino Review first broke the news. When calling Nyong'os representatives for comment they said, "We're not allowed to talk about that." If there's a "that," that's all we needed to know. The Hollywood Reporter added further confirmation.

The Latino Review report says Nyong'o may be a Sith. If that's the case, she could somehow be paired with Adam Driver's character, who is believed to be a villain. Star Wars lore, however, says there can only be two Sith. So while it may be these two actors, maybe Driver is a political bad guy instead. We'll obviously have to wait and see how it all plays out.

On the other hand, the Hollywood Reporter suggests she could be up for a role as one of Obi-Wan Kenobi's descendants, which they describe as "non-caucasian." You'd assume that role is a good guy but, what would be really interesting is if the roles were one in the same.

Over past year, we've heard dozens of rumors of young men auditioning or attached to Abrams' highly anticipated sequel, but haven't heard many women mentioned. We know there's a lead teen girl who is one of the two roles Abrams is, reportedly, still looking for through open auditions. But no major actress have been named in Star Wars Episode VII rumors and this role isn't that. Nyong'o is one of the first and coming off an Oscar, it makes a lot of sense. Star Wars would be a huge, star making pay day.

We'll certainly keep you updated on Star Wars 7 and if Lupita Nyong'o is confirmed.