Lucasfilm made the announcement Tuesday on the official "Star Wars" website and Facebook page">Facebook page. The film production company has not said what characters the cast members will be playing. Other new stars include John Boyega, Daisy Ridley and Domhnall Gleeson.
They join returning "Star Wars" veterans Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher. Peter Mayhew is also back as Chewbacca and Kenny Baker will reprise R2-D2.
Disney will release "Star Wars: Episode VII" in December 2015. The film is expected to begin shooting in May. Disney CEO Bob Iger has said it will be set 30 years after 1983's "Return of the Jedi."
