Another Source Says Nova Corps. Featured In GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

AICN is reporting that Marvel's version of intergalactic military/police Nova Corps. (similar to Green Lantern Corps) will be featured in Guardians of The Galaxy. We've been hearing since the early days of development of Avengers and Guardians that Nova would be introduced into the MCU. Not to mention that speculation grew from the concept art that might have had Nova ships in the sky. Marvel released a new Nova series at the same time they rebooted Guardians with their new comic. If original story details for the film are to believed, the group starts out to be prisoners and fugitives which could mean Nova Corps. are on their tails.

“I was contacted by a source..., telling me that after they had a dinner with a friend that is a confirmed part of [Guardians of the Galaxy]’s production team, that the friend let it slip over the meal that NOVA CORPS were definitely a part of the movie.” 

Kevin Durand (Real Steel, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Smokin' Aces) had been recently linked for a role in the film but it's unlikely it was for Drax. I could see him being apart of the Nova Corps. if not as Richard Rider.

Dave Bautista Competing With Jason Momoa For Drax Role In GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, Kevin Durand Could Also Take A Role

LatinoReview has a small update concerning the casting of Guardians of The Galaxy. They save that previously linked contender Dave Batista (Riddick, Man With The Iron Fists) is anew frontrunner alongside Jason Momoa (Bullet To The Head, Game of Thrones, Conan) for the supporting role of Drax The Destroyer. Jason apparently is trying renegotiate his original deal when he tested for the role. Marvel is known for limiting the amount they originally offer leads and supporting actors. However, they do end up earning big paydays later on along with massive international exposure which makes up for the small upfront fee. The James Gunn (Slither, Super) helmed picture is currently in preproduction in the UK and is still in the casting process. Chris Pratt (Zero Dark Thirty, Moneyball) is the only actor set for a role as leader of the Guardians, Peter Quill (Starlord). There is also rumblings that Marvel has found their Rocket Raccoon but haven't made it official.

They also add that Canadian actor Kevin Durand (Robin Hood, Wolverine, Smokin' Aces, Lost, 3:10 To Yuma, Resident Evil 5, Dark Angel) is up for an unnamed role. It's possible that he could in the mix for Nova, Adam Warlock or even Thanos. Kevin had been linked as a candidate for Crossbones in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. He already has Marvel roots playing The Blob in the underwhelming first Wolverine film. Not to mention a Disney link playing a villain in Real Steel.

I'm not sure how reliable this was originally but actresses such as Adrianne Palicki (Friday Night Lights, Red Dawn, G.I. Joe: Retaliation), Gina Carano (Haywire, Fast And Furious 6), Olivia Wilde (Tron Legacy, Cowboys And Aliens), Rosario Dawson (Trance, Sin City 1-2, Death Proof, 25th Hour), Rachel Nichols (Star Trek, Conan, G.I. Joe, Alias), Moon Bloodgood (Terminator Salvation, Faster, Sessions, Falling Skies) and Kristanna Loken (Burn Notice, Terminator 3, L Word, Painkiller Jane) were rumored for Gamora. It would make sense that Wonder Woman candidates (in the case of Palicki played her in a TV pilot) would be looked for the role.