Lee Pace is in final talks to play the villain in Guardians of the Galaxy, according to The Wrap.  Pace had previously been under consideration as Star-Lord (see "'Guardians' Director Shamed"), a role that was eventually filled by Chris Pratt.

Pace may be best known for his roles in The Hobbit and Pushing Daisies.

Casting for Guardians is moving quickly now, with Ophelia Lovebond and Michael Rooker also added to the cast in the last week (see "Ophelia Lovibond Joins 'Guardians'").  The movie is scheduled to open August 1, 2014.