While one might think that Star Wars: Episode VII casting should have been announced by this late date, we still only have rumors and non-confirmed reports to go on as the film speeds towards production. Today's latest news comes from Latino Review, who claim that recent Oscar winning actress Lupita Nyong'o, who took home a statue for her performance in 12 Years a Slave, is so very close to signing on.

Lupita Nyong'o has been reading for the role of a major female character who is not tied into the family bloodlines of the first two trilogies. No other details have been released, and the actress's reps are not talking.

The rumor is that Lupita Nyong'o is up for an important Sith role opposite main villain Adam Driver (who has not been confirmed, but is said to be a definite lock by more than one prominent inside source).

The Hollywood Reporter also backs up the claims that Lupita Nyong'o has read for a role in this highly coveted sequel. She was in to see director J.J. Abrams a few weeks ago, right before she won her Oscar. Their report claims the actress may be playing a non-Caucasian descendent of Obi-Wan Kenobi. This is not one of the two main leads.

Ed Speleers (Downton Abbey), John Boyega (Attack the Block), Matthew James Thomas (About a Boy), and Broadway actor Ray Fisher were all named earlier in the week for role of Jedi apprentice. This latest report claims that Jesse Plemons, who was mentioned months ago, is still the one to beat for this particular character.