Since her lauded performance in Pariah last year, actress Pernell Walker's film projects have included primarily a string of short films, but no feature film attachments – at least none that we've known of; that is, until now anyway.

I learned this afternoon that the actress has landed a role in Lee Daniels' The Butler, playing role of Lorraine in the film, joining a stellar cast of thespians that includes Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo, Matthew McConaughey, John Cusack, Alan Rickman, Terence Howard, Cuba Good Jr., Jane Fonda, Nicole Kidman, Lenny Kravitz, Colman Domingo and Jess Williams. 

No details yet on how involved the character Ms Walker plays, is in the film's core narrative, or what her relationship to the other characters are. That news will come eventually. 

Also joining the cast, as I learned, is Stephen Rider, who, as we announced last week, co-stars in a found-footage thriller titled Event 15, alongside Kimberly Elise.

I should soon have details on what role he plays specifically in The Butler.

Stephen Rider also appeared in films like Safe House and The Great Debaters.

The Butler (based on the life of White House butler Eugene Allen who served eight US Presidents during his tenure) is scheduled to begin principal photography next month.

Whitaker will play Allen in the film. Oprah Winfrey is his wife.

I'd say that, regardless of the roles, both Walker and Rider are in very good company here. And as Lee Daniels seems to favor working with the same actors repeatedly, this could bode well for the two young actors.