The Parks and Recreation and Zero Dark Thirty star is nearing a deal to play the lead role of Peter Quill in Marvel’s Phase Two film, Guardians of the Galaxy. According to the plot description, Quill, aka Star-Lord, is a pilot who ends up in space in the middle of a universal conflict and goes on the run with futuristic ex-cons who have something everyone wants. I’ll just assume that refers to an easier way to open bacon packaging. (THR)

Mireille Enos (AMC’s “The Killing“) has snagged a role in Paramount‘s World War Z, based on the Max Brooks bestseller about zombies. This is the first movie Hollywood has made about zombies in a long time. She’ll play wife Karin Lane to star Brad Pitt. Though Enos has starred in TV shows like “Big Love,” this is the first time her face will be stretched to movie theater proportions in a major role. (Deadline)

Meanwhile, the Judd Apatow produced comedy Five Year Engagement is importing a new lady from NBC Thursdays to join the cast. Mindy Kaling “The Office“) will join Alison Brie (“Community”), as well as Jason Segal, Emily Blunt, Rhys Ifans and Chris Pratt “Parks and Recreation“). With all that NBC talent on board, they’d better hope a film opening opposite them doesn’t feature stars from CBS, or they will be crushed at the box office. (Variety)

It’s no surprise to me that Pratt’s been cast in producer Judd Apatow‘s latest film, Five-Year Engagement. Directed by Nick Stoller, Five-Year is about the roller-coaster relationship between characters played by Jason Segel and Emily Blunt. Sounds very Apatowish to me. It’s reassuring to know that there’s another schlubby, bearded comedian who can pinch hit for Seth Rogen. Allison Brie (“Community”) was also recently cast, so we now know what Apatow watches on Thursday nights. All the sitcoms on CBS, America’s Most Watched Network.

Meanwhile, Rhys Ifans (Greenberg) is in talks to play a role. Hopefully it’ll be the same role he’s playing in The Amazing Spider-Man: The Lizard. It’d be nice if Apatow changed things up a bit, and if The Lizard was in just one of his movies. Just one. I’m sure The Lizard would like to get high and discuss his feelings with other dudes too. (The Playlist)

It’s time once agin to gather round the computin’ box and gather some freshly-branded casting news. YAWWWWW!!!!

FAST FIVE – will be gaining one Ludacris and one The Rock according to Twitter all-star Tyrese Gibson. “Major shouts to Vin Diesel Paul Walker, & Dewayne [sic] “Rock” Johnson!! “Fast & Furious Five” Let’s get em again!!” Yes. He misspelled The Rock’s name but please keep in mind, he typed this with his ab muscles. Impressed, now? (Collider)

RISE OF THE APES – has cast Brian Cox to play a villianous dean general Robert McKee owner of a primate research facility. When reached for comment, James Cromwell said, "Aw, dammit." (/Film)

MONEYBALL – "Parks and Recreation" shoeshine man, Chris Pratt, will spend his hiatus from the show portraying a catcher whose hurty elbow leads him to become a batting phenom. Just like Rookie Of the Year (note: nothing like Rookie Of the Year.) (Collider)