'Star Wars Episode 7' update: two new cast members, filming to go on a two-week hiatus

By Staff Writer

Jul 07 2014, 03:01 AM EDT

Two young new actors have been added to the cast of the much-awaited "Star Wars: Episode VII."

Pip Andersen and Crystal Clarke have been added to the stellar cast of the sci-fi film, directed by J.J. Abrams. Both of them were part of the open acting calls in the U.S. and U.K.

The characters that Andersen and Clarke will be playing have not yet been revealed, but according to reports, two characters named Rachel and Thomas were included in the casting call. According to Variety, Rachel is a "beautiful, smart and athletic" young woman, and Thomas is a "handsome, smart and athletic" young man.

Andersen, a British actor, is a newcomer in film, and is experienced in parkour. He has appeared in a 2012 Sony ad and MTV's "Ultimate Parkour Challenge." American actress Clarke, on the other hand, will star in her first feature "The Moon and the Sun," set to be released next year.

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said in the casting statement: "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."

Shooting has already began in Pinewood Studios in the U.K., but it has recently been announced that the cast and crew will take a two-week hiatus in August. This is reportedly due to the Harrison Ford's injury (he hurt his ankle on the door of the Millennium Falcon).

Aside from Ford (Han Solo), Star Wars actors who would be reprising their original roles include Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), and Kenny Baker (R2-D2).

Other confirmed new cast members include John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow.

"Star Wars: Episode VII" is set to hit theaters on December 18, 2015 in the United States, under Disney Pictures and Lucasfilm.