We’ve been eagerly awaiting this news since word on the unusual casting first broke a few weeks back, but now we finally have the skinny on just who the awesome John C. Reilly will play in Marvel Studios’ upcoming cosmic caper! Deadline are confirming rumours that the acclaimed actor will portray Nova Corp leader Rhomann Dey.

Here’s the lowdown on the character courtesy of Marvel’s official Wiki: 

Rhomann Dey was the leader of the Nova Corps of Xandar and one of its few survivors. When the Warlord Zorr attacked Xandar, he devastated it and killed many Xandarians including Dey’s wife and child. Dey hunted Zorr and battled him.

However, Zorr was too powerful for Dey and mortally wounded him. Dey flew to Earth ahead of Zorr and chose randomly Richard Rider as the new Nova transferring his power to him. Dey linked minds with Rider and explained to him the new powers he has received as well as the threat of Zorr on his planet.

At first, Rider thought the encounter was a dream, but soon discovered his powers and accepted his role as Nova. While out testing them for the first time he ran into Zorr who was on a rampage in New York City. Nova decided to fulfill the one who gave him his powers dying wish and defeat Zorr. During the battle, Zorr was teleported away by Dey himself. Dey killed Zorr before he himself died, ready to join his family and friends in the afterlife.

All this is well and good, but who’s playing the raccoon already?!

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY stars Chris Pratt, Michael Rooker, Zoe Saldana, Lee Pace, Glenn Close, Karen Gillan, and Enzo Cilenti, while Benicio del Toro remains unconfirmed.

MARVEL PHASE TWO Release Schedule:

Oct 30th 2013 – THOR: THE DARK WORLD

Sep 2013 – MARVEL’S AGENTS S.H.I.E.L.D.

April 4th 2014 – CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER

Aug 1st 2014 – GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

May 1st 2015 – UNTITLED MARVEL’S AVENGERS SEQUEL

MARVEL PHASE THREE Release Schedule:

Nov 6th 2015 – ANT-MAN

May 2016 – ???

May 2017 – ???

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