John C. Reilly has reportedly joined "Guardians of the Galaxy" as Nova Corps leader Rhomann Dey.

Academy Award nominee John C. Reilly has reportedly joined "Guardians of the Galaxy," the Marvel space adventure directed by James Gunn.

When the actor was offered the role of Rhomann Dey last month, it was described as an Agent Coulson-type character who will serve as a liaison between S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Guardians. However, Deadline now contends that in the film Rhomann Dey is the leader of the Nova Corps, which hews closer to the comic books, where he was the last surviving member of the intergalactic space police force Nova Corps who lands on Earth and transfers his helmet and powers to Richard Rider.

How Reilly's role fits in with that of Glenn Close, who was previously reported to be playing the head of the Nova Corps, naturally remains to be seen.

The veteran of such films as "Boogie Nights," "Chicago" and "Step Brothers" joins an increasingly impressive cast that already includes Benicio del Toro, Karen Gillan, Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Michael Rooker, Lee Pace, David Bautista and the aforementioned Close.

"Guardians of the Galaxy" is expected begin filming in late June in London for release on Aug. 1, 2014.