Avengers: Doomsday Writer Wants Glen Powell as Nova!

Marvel Cinematic Universe writer Michael Waldron, known for Loki and Doctor Strange, just dropped a major hint about who he'd love to see as Nova in the MCU, and it's a familiar face!

TL;DR: Quick Bites for the Busy Fan

• Michael Waldron, co-writer of Avengers: Doomsday, publicly suggested Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick) for the role of Nova in the MCU.
• Powell has expressed strong interest in superhero roles and recently collaborated closely with Waldron on Hulu's Chad Powers.
• The Nova project has been in Marvel's pipeline for years, with its format (film or series) and specific release timeline still being determined, though a 2027-2028 window is hinted.

From Mav to Marvel: A Cosmic Crossover for Glen Powell?

Alright, Marvel fans, buckle up! You know Michael Waldron, right? He’s the brilliant mind who brought us the twisty delights of Loki and penned the mind-bending script for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Now, he's deep in the trenches, co-writing the script for the epic upcoming blockbuster, Avengers: Doomsday, set to hit theaters on December 18, 2026. This guy knows his stuff when it comes to the MCU's grand plan.

So, when someone with that much Marvel clout speaks, we listen. And what he recently said during an interview with The Playlist (and also on the Bingeworthy Podcast) has set the internet ablaze with exciting fan theories. Waldron, having just wrapped up co-creating the Hulu sports comedy series Chad Powers, was asked a burning question: if he could cast Glen Powell in any Marvel role, who would it be? His answer was quick, confident, and absolutely cosmic:

"He'd be a pretty good Nova."

— Michael Waldron (Avengers: Doomsday writer), via The Playlist

That's right, the very Nova that comic book fans have been desperately waiting to see on the big screen! Powell, a certified rising star fresh off hits like Top Gun: Maverick, Anyone But You, and Hit Man, has officially caught the eye of a major MCU architect. This isn't just random fan-casting; this is a direct recommendation from someone who shapes the Marvel Cinematic Universe's future.

Who Exactly Is Nova, and Why Do We Need Him in the MCU?

For those who might not be as familiar with the deeper cuts of the Marvel Comics universe, let's talk Nova. Specifically, Richard Rider. Created by Marv Wolfman and John Romita Sr. in 1976, Nova is a human who gains incredible cosmic powers from the Nova Force, essentially becoming a space cop. He's part of the Nova Corps, an intergalactic peacekeeping force that Marvel Studios has already introduced to us. Remember those cool blue-clad officers in Guardians of the Galaxy? That was the Nova Corps, based on Xandar.

The MCU has subtly been laying the groundwork for Nova's eventual arrival for years. The Nova Corps played a significant role in helping the Guardians fight Ronan the Accuser, showcasing their vast reach and power. However, tragedy struck when Thanos attacked Xandar off-screen at the beginning of Avengers: Infinity War, seemingly wiping out the Nova Corps and their homeworld to obtain the Power Stone. This event left an open door for a survivor, like Richard Rider, to emerge as the last beacon of the Nova Force.

Richard Rider, the original Nova, is known for his rebellious streak, strong sense of duty, and sometimes reckless heroism. He's been a central figure in major cosmic storylines like Annihilation and has even served alongside the Guardians of the Galaxy and the Secret Avengers in the comics. Bringing him to the MCU would inject a fresh, powerful cosmic presence and open up entirely new storylines and characters for future sagas.

Glen Powell's Journey from Stockbroker to Superhero Speculation

Glen Powell's career has been on an absolute rocket trajectory lately, making him a household name for his roles as charming, confident, and often incredibly capable characters. From his breakout performance as Hangman in Top Gun: Maverick to his leading turns in rom-coms like Anyone But You and action-comedies like Hit Man, he's proven his ability to balance charisma, comedic timing, and genuine emotional depth. His upcoming role in Edgar Wright's The Running Man (releasing November 14, 2025) and the disaster flick Twisters will only further solidify his leading man status.

Interestingly, Powell isn't new to the superhero genre, though his earliest role was a blink-and-you-miss-it cameo as a stockbroker Bane terrorizes in The Dark Knight Rises. That small taste, he says, instilled an appreciation for the genre that endures. He's been open about his interest in suiting up for a major superhero role, telling The Playlist in 2024 that he's "game for a superhero role" and is "just waiting for one of the big studios to reach out." He's a big fan of Marvel and DC, even recently having "a blast" watching Deadpool & Wolverine, cheering for what Ryan Reynolds and Shawn Levy did with it.

Some fan-casting has put him in the running for characters like Cyclops or even a new Captain America, but the Nova suggestion carries particular weight. While Richard Rider often starts as a 17-year-old in the comics, Powell is currently 36. However, Marvel has shown it's willing to adapt character ages and origins for the MCU (hello, older Peter Parker!). Casting Powell as a more established, albeit still learning, adult Nova could leverage his star power to launch a brand new cosmic chapter post-Multiverse Saga, allowing him to grow and develop for years to come.

Why Michael Waldron Thinks Powell is the Perfect Cosmic Hero

Waldron's recommendation for Powell as Nova isn't just a casual thought; it comes from a place of direct collaboration and deep understanding of Powell's capabilities. The two recently worked very closely as co-creators and star on Hulu's Chad Powers. This hands-on experience gave Waldron invaluable insight into Powell's creative process, work ethic, and range as an actor.

"He’s my co-creator and my star, so he’s literally Chad Powers," Waldron enthused. "At any time, I can just hit him up and say, ‘Would Russ do this?’ We built this character together and charted out a multi-season journey for him. He’s got a great sense of story structure, and then he goes and delivers this incredible physical performance under prosthetics. Damn him for being so good-looking while doing it."

This personal endorsement speaks volumes. Waldron clearly sees Powell's ability to not only deliver physically but also to contribute creatively and understand story structure – qualities that are crucial for anchoring a new Marvel hero. With his undeniable charisma, physical presence, and proven track record of playing aspirational, sometimes cocky yet ultimately heroic figures, Powell truly embodies many of the qualities fans associate with Richard Rider.

The Long and Winding Road to Bringing Nova to the Big Screen

Bringing Nova into the MCU has been a bit of a marathon, not a sprint. Talks of Richard Rider's debut have been swirling since the Nova Corps first appeared in 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy. Director James Gunn even noted that he purposely excluded Nova from those early films, feeling that Star-Lord needed to be the sole human focus at the time, recognizing the character's importance for his own solo story.

Initially, Marvel Studios announced a standalone Nova Disney+ series in March 2022, with Moon Knight writer Sabir Pirzada attached to develop it. Then, in December 2024, Ed Bernero (known for Criminal Minds) was brought on board as the new writer and showrunner, hinting that the project was still moving forward. However, reports in early 2025 indicated that the Nova project, along with a few others, had been put on hold or paused by Marvel Studios amidst a re-evaluation of their streaming strategy, possibly due to the high budget required for cosmic endeavors.

But don't despair! Despite the bumps in the road, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige confirmed in a 2024 interview with Comicbook that the Nova project is indeed "happening" and "coming together." He even teased, "Richard Rider, yep." Feige further stated that the show is likely "three or four years out," which places its potential release somewhere around 2027-2028. This timeline would conveniently position Nova's arrival after the highly anticipated Avengers: Secret Wars, currently slated for December 17, 2027 (though one conflicting report did list it for 2026, the 2027 date as a sequel seems more aligned with Marvel's usual release patterns).

There's also ongoing speculation that the project, originally conceived as a Disney+ series, might be shifted to a feature film. Given Marvel's current focus on fewer, higher-quality streaming shows and big-screen events, a movie debut for Nova could be a fantastic way to introduce the character with the scale and impact he deserves, especially with a star like Glen Powell potentially leading the charge.

What Nova's Arrival Could Mean for the Future of the MCU

The timing for Nova's introduction, especially post-Secret Wars, seems strategically perfect. The current Multiverse Saga is packed with characters, narratives, and multiversal threats, leading up to the massive event of Avengers: Doomsday and its sequel. Introducing a major new cosmic hero like Nova into an already crowded chapter might dilute his impact.

However, after the dust settles from Secret Wars, the MCU will likely be looking for fresh faces and new narratives to anchor its next era. Nova could be the perfect character to boldly lead the MCU's next cosmic chapter, potentially serving as a bridge to new alien civilizations, unexplored parts of the galaxy, and even tying into the long-rumored introduction of the X-Men faction in a larger cosmic context. Imagine a "cosmic reset" where Nova steps up to defend the universe, possibly even setting the stage for an Annihilation-inspired storyline that was briefly teased by the destruction of Xandar in Infinity War.

With his unique powers, compelling backstory, and the potential to bring a familiar yet fresh wisecracking hero dynamic, Nova could become a significant player in the MCU for years to come. And with Michael Waldron's strong vote of confidence, having a dynamic and in-demand star like Glen Powell in the role would be a stellar move, ensuring that this long-awaited hero doesn't just arrive, but truly shines.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nova and Glen Powell When will Nova officially join the MCU? While there's no official release date, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige indicated in 2024 that Nova is "three or four years out," suggesting a potential debut around 2027-2028, likely after Avengers: Secret Wars. Will Nova get a movie or a Disney+ series? Initially planned as a Disney+ series, recent reports suggest the project's development is on hold. There are rumors that it might be re-envisioned as a feature film, but Marvel has yet to make a definitive announcement on its final format. Who is Richard Rider, the Nova Michael Waldron is referring to? Richard Rider is the original Nova from Marvel Comics. He's a human, typically a teenager or young adult, who is imbued with the cosmic "Nova Force" by a dying alien. He becomes a powerful member of the intergalactic peacekeeping organization known as the Nova Corps. Is Glen Powell confirmed to play Nova in the MCU? No, this is currently a strong suggestion from Avengers: Doomsday writer Michael Waldron, based on his experience working with Powell. Glen Powell has expressed general interest in superhero roles, but no official casting announcements have been made by Marvel Studios. Sources

• The Playlist
• ComicBook.com
• MovieWeb
• ScreenRant
• FandomWire
• Cosmic Book News
• CinemaBlend