As the Marvel Universe continues to expand on the big-screen with upcoming sequels to Iron Man, Thor and Captain America, the studio have finally announced a leading man for their new spin-off film Guardians of the Galaxy.

Deadline has revealed that Chris Pratt (Parks and Recreation, Zero Dark Thirty) is set to play the lead role of Star-Lord, the leader of the alien superheroes, the Guardians, who is the son of a human mother and an alien father.

The role was originally linked to Zachary Levi (Chuck, Tangled) and British actor Jim Sturgess (21, The Way Back).

James Gunn (Slither, Super) will direct the film which scheduled for release on August 1st 2014.