With several of the primary heroes already cast for Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel is in final talks with Lee Pace to play the villain. Back in December, the actor confirmed he had auditioned for the role of Peter Quill, which was ultimately won by Chris Pratt.

Dave Bautista (Drax the Destroyer), Zoe Saldana (Gamora), Michael Rooker (Yondu), and Ophelia Lovibond are also confirmed to star in this Marvel Phase Two adventure. Plot details have not been disclosed at this time.

While the villain's identity has not been disclosed yet, there is a good chance that he may play Taneleer Tivan, a.k.a The Collector. We reported yesterday that Ophelia Lovibond is playing one of The Collector's henchmen. In the Marvel comic books, The Collector seeks out life forms and universes to protect from the evil Thanos, whose presence was revealed at the end of Marvel's The Avengers.

James Gunn is directing from his own original screenplay, with production scheduled to commence in June.

Lee Pace will next be seen in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug as Thranduil.