'Star Wars: Episode VII' casts two newcomers

Two young actors have landed roles in the JJ Abrams-directed 'Star Wars Episode VII' after beating 65,000 other hopefuls in an open casting call.
American actress Crystal Clarke and British actor Pip Andersen were the lucky to land the roles in the casting call, announced by Lucasfilm and Disney, which spanned 11 cities across the US and UK.
The open call received 37,000 hopefuls while another 30,000 submitted applications online.
Clarke, who is currently studying in Glasgow, UK, has both stage and screen acting experience and is soon to be seen in her first feature film 'The Moon and the Sun' while Andersen is a skilled practitioner of parkour.

"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," said producer and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy.
The film is currently being shot in Pinewood Studios in London after wrapping on location in Abu Dhabi in May.

The team of the sci-fi franchise will take a brief two-week hiatus while adjustments to the current production schedule are made as actor Harrison Ford recovers from a leg injury, a release on its website said.

Harrison, who injured his left foot during shooting, is currently recovering.
The shooting is likely to wrap later this year with the film scheduled for release on December 18, 2015.