'Star Wars: Episode VII' Adds Two New Cast Members

Pip Andersen and Crystal Clarke, Courtesy Star Wars Official

Remember that "Star Wars: Episode VII" open casting call at the end of last year? Remember how you wished you could be a part of the new film and how awesomely fantastic it would be? Well, it was announced today on the official "Star Wars" site that two new cast members were added as a result of that massive call. The site clued us in on just how fortunate these two actors were, "The casting calls spanned 11 cities across the US and UK and over 37,000 hopefuls attended, with a further 30,000 submitting applications online."

So who will be embarking on one of the coolest jobs they'll ever have? Here's part of the announcement:

Crystal Clarke is an American actress studying in Glasgow, UK, who has both stage and screen acting experience and is soon to be seen in her first feature, The Moon and the Sun (to be released in 2015). British actor Pip Andersen is a skilled practitioner of parkour, a discipline that involves propelling oneself through any given environment with incredible grace and agility. Pip recently demonstrated this remarkable skill in a Spider-Man ad for Sony.

Producer and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, commented on the new additions to the family, “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."

Although the parts have not exactly been revealed, let us refresh your memories of the details from the casting call:

Rachel “was quite young when she lost her parents, with no other family, she was forced to make her way in a tough, dangerous town. Now, 17 she has become street smart and strong. She is able to take care of herself using humor and guts to get by. Always a survivor, never a victim, she remains hopeful that she can move away from this harsh existence to a better life. She is always thinking of what she can do to move ahead.”

Thomas “has grown up without a father’s influence. Without the model of being a man, he doesn’t have the strongest sense of himself. He can appreciate the absurdities in life and understand you can’t take life too seriously.”

It was also announced that an August break in filming would occur, "In August, the team will take a brief two-week hiatus while adjustments to the current production schedule are made as actor Harrison Ford recovers from a leg injury. Harrison is doing well and is looking forward to returning to the set soon. Shooting remains on track to wrap in the fall with the film scheduled for release on December 18, 2015."

What are your thoughts on the new additions to the cast? Let us know your thoughts on how the film's production is shaping up.

-Larissa Mrykalo