Beyond the Lights actress joins cast of Star Wars: Episode VIII

Stunning British actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw is reportedly joining the cast of Star Wars: Episode VIII, the movie's first piece of casting since July.

Many would suggest that this move was a long time coming, in terms of Gugu landing a break-out role, and they don't come much bigger than Star Wars.

Mbatha-Raw, 32, has enjoyed success with previous projects, the most acclaimed being her contributions to the Beyond the Lights movie, in 2014.

It is understood that Mbatha-Raw will appear in the NFL-based drama Concussion later this year, with the Oxford-born star also involved in The Free State of Jones project, scheduled for 2016.

As of now the role that Mbatha-Raw will be playing in the new Star Wars sequel is still unknown, which should come as no surprise to fans. Disney's focus right now will be on the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens movie, which is expected to hit cinema screens in December this year.

Gugu isn't the only talented screen-star that has inked a deal, though. Star Wars: Episode VIII's previous piece of casting saw Benicio del Toro sign a deal to play one of the movie's villains, presumably we will get to know a lot more about this role too, in the coming months.

Star Wars: Episode VIII is expected to land in cinemas on May 26th, 2017.

[Collider]