12 Years a Slave star Lupita Nyong'o is rumoured to be in talks with J.J. Abrams about the possibility of appearing in Star Wars: Episode VII.

Secrecy generally surrounds the plot and casting decisions of Star Wars owing to its high profile status and constant media coverage. As such it is difficult to speculate who Nyong'o, should she be cast in the sci-fi film, would play. The role she could be considered for, according to The Hollywood Reporter, is that of Obi-Wan Kenobi's descendent. This character may be one of the lead female roles but there is a separate ongoing search for two actors - a male and female - in their twenties who will, most likely, have some form of romantic relationship. However, Nyong'o may be being considered in this search as opposed to that of Obi-Wan Kenobi's descendant. 

A relative newcomer to mainstream Hollywood, the 31-year-old attracted attention and widespread admiration for her role in 12 Years a Slave in which she played Patsey. The actress took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in movie last week and it was around this time that she met with Abrams. 

Nyong'o, following her performance in the historical drama and reception during the awards season, has been linked to a number of other productions in addition to Star Wars. She was rumoured to be up for the role of Tiger Lily in Pan, a role which has since been filled by Rooney Mara. Nyong'o is also in the running for a courtroom drama, The Whole Truth, which Daniel Craig has already been cast in. 

The seventh Star Wars film is due to be released in December 2015. 

Lupita Nyong'o
Lupita Nyong'o won the Oscar for Best Supporting actress for her role in 12 Years a Slave.

Lupita Nyong'o
Lupita Nyong'o at the 2014 Oscars.