Just yesterday we reported that Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Looper) was included on the shortlist of actors vying for the lead role in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy.  We presumed that, since an earlier report had mentioned an unnamed actor in the mix in addition to Zachary Levi (Chuck) and Jim Sturgess (Cloud Atlas), Gordon-Levitt was the last candidate.  Well, today's news brings word that Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville) is also under consideration for the role of Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord.  Hit the jump to get this sorted out.Rosenbaum Tweeted that he recently read for the lead role (via IGN):

Read for my pal @JamesGunn GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY for PETER QUILL. What a treat! Thanks Jimmy. @Marvel

Best known for his role as a young Lex Luthor on Smallville, Rosenbaum has other ties to the comic book world having done a number of voice-over spots.  His experience in animated fair is on the DC side, with roles in Batman Beyond, Teen Titans, Justice League, Static Shock, Batman: The Brave and the Bold and Justice League: Doom.  Rosenbaum has previously worked with Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn on PG Porn, a comedy series in which the two voiced Charlie Brown and Linus respectively.

As for the lead role in question, Star-Lord was born of a human mother and alien father, and he’s a master strategist and combat expert who wears an ability-enhancing suit and pilots a psychically-linked ship.  The character will likely serve as the audience’s introduction to the unusual world of Guardians of the Galaxy in the space-set film, which opens August 1, 2014.  Be sure to get caught up on all of our previous and continuing coverage on Guardians of the Galaxy here.

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