A few weeks ago, it was reported that the short list for the Guardians of the Galaxy leading role Peter Quill (aka Star-Lord) was down to just two names - Jim Sturgess (Cloud Atlas) and Zachary Levi ("Chuck"). Now, Deadline is reporting that The Dark Knight Rises star Joseph Gordon-Levitt is being considered for the role as well.

Previous contenders for the role were Joel Edgerton (Zero Dark Thirty), Garrett Hedlund (TRON: Legacy), Jack Huston ("Boardwalk Empire"), James Marsden (X-Men), Eddie Redmayne (My Week with Marilyn) and Sullivan Stapleton (Animal Kingdom).

The Quill character is likely to be the central protagonist of the film. Raised on Earth, Quill learns that his father was from outer space and is drawn into an intergalactic conflict that eventually leads to him becoming the leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Also said to be on the movie team's roster are the characters Drax the Destroyer, Groot, Rocket Racoon and Gamora. Check back for casting details on those roles as they emerge.

Guardians of the Galaxy is set to be released on August 1, 2014.

(Photo Credit: Bridow/WENN.com)