With filmmaker James Gunn already confirmed to write the script and direct Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel Studios is focusing on casting. Actors such as Joel Edgerton, Jim Sturgess, Jack Huston, Lee Pace, and Eddie Redmayne have signed testing deals to audition for the Guardians' leader Peter Quill.

James Marsden, Garrett Hedlund, and Sullivan Stapleton have also reportedly shown interest in the role, although it is not known if they are planning to audition. Peter Quill was a former NASA astronaut who eventually comes to learn that his father is an alien, which leads him into outer space. Armed with a sentient ship and a suit that enhances his strength, Quill eventually transformed himself into the Star-Lord.

We reported in April that the story will center on a cocky U.S. pilot who gets caught up in an immense conflict. However, that was well before James Gunn came on board, who is said to have a twisted take on the story.