It’s being reported that Lee Pace has entered into final negotiations to star in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, which is being directed by James Gunn (Slither, Super).

Pace is said to be playing the villain in the movie, though it’s not specified who the villain will be yet. The actor was also listed as one of the candidates for the lead role of Star Lord, which eventually went to Chris Pratt (Moneyball, Parks and Recreation).

In addition to Pratt, Pace joins a cast that includes Zoe Saldana (Star Trek, Avatar), who’s playing Gamora, Michael Rooker (The Walking Dead, Tombstone) as Yondu, and Dave Bautista (The Mans with the Iron Fists), who will play Drax the Destroyer.

Also joining the cast recently is Ophelia Lovibond (No Strings Attached), whose role is currently unknown.

Pace has recently appeared in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit and Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln, and has also starred in titles such as Pushing Daisies and The Fall.

Guardians of the Galaxy is scheduled to be released on Aug. 1, 2014.

Which villain do you think Pace will be playing?

[Source: The Wrap]