Will 'Guardians of the Galaxy' feature Nova and the Nova Corps?

Look closely at the above promo image from Guardians of the Galaxy and you'll see something very interesting. Those aren't regular space ships hovering in the background. Comic book geeks, specifically those who lean towards the Marvel side of the fence, will recognize those as belonging to the Nova Corps, the intergalactic police force led by Rich Rider aka the superhero Nova. We noticed it last year but didn't pay it much mind, even as the occasional rumor hinted at Nova making an appearance. Now today it's seeming more likely with the emergence of a new rumor to that effect.

Harry Knowles at AICN spoke to a source, who is apparently a part of the Guardians of the Galaxy production staff, who says the Nova Corps definitely have a part to play. With the team spending 95% of their time in outer space, I don't know how you could make a film like this without involving the Corps in some way, and if they're in then that means to definitely expect a cameo by Nova. Maybe Scott Porter (Hart of Dixie) will get his wish to play Nova, after all?

So we've got a potential appearance by Iron Man, plus the possible inclusion of the Nova Corps and Rich Rider? All that and we still have no idea how Thanos will fit into the larger picture, or who the team will be facing off against. I'm probably more excited to see where Guardians of the Galaxy goes than any other Marvel film right now.