Glen Powell as MCU Nova? Writer's Dream Casting Revealed!

Get ready, Marvel fans! A major writer for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday just dropped a massive hint about a fan-favorite cosmic hero finally joining the MCU, and he’s got a huge star in mind for the role: none other than Glen Powell.

TL;DR: The Scoop on Glen Powell and Nova's Potential MCU Future

Michael Waldron, a key writer for Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars, believes Glen Powell would be a "pretty good Nova."
Fans have been eager for the intergalactic hero Nova (Richard Rider) to join the MCU since the Nova Corps debuted in 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy.
While a dedicated Disney+ series for Nova was in development, it's currently on hold, leaving the door open for a potential big-screen debut, possibly in Avengers: Secret Wars.

A Cosmic Tease from an Avengers Architect: Michael Waldron's Bold Suggestion

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We’re all eagerly waiting for the MCU to get back to its Infinity Saga glory days, and with Movies like The Fantastic Four: First Steps on the horizon, there's renewed hope for Phase 6 and beyond. While Marvel loves to keep us guessing, one surprise that could be brewing involves a character fans have been clamoring for over a decade: Nova!

The buzz started when Michael Waldron, a heavy-hitter writer behind hits like Loki, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and now the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars, was chatting with The Playlist's Bingeworthy Podcast. When asked who he thought would be a great fit for an MCU role, Waldron didn't hesitate. He tossed out a name that immediately sent ripples through the Marvel community:

"He'd be a pretty good Nova."

— Michael Waldron on Glen Powell

Yep, he's talking about the internet's current "it" guy, Glen Powell. You know, from Top Gun: Maverick, Anyone But You, and the upcoming Twisters and The Running Man reboot. Waldron and Powell recently teamed up on Hulu's sports comedy series Chad Powers, giving the writer a front-row seat to Powell's charisma and talent. This isn't just casual fan-casting; it's a significant endorsement from someone deeply involved in shaping the MCU's future.

Who Exactly is Nova and Why Does His MCU Debut Matter So Much?

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For those who might be new to the cosmic side of Marvel, Nova is a superhero mantle held by several characters in the comics, but the most famous is Richard Rider. Introduced in the 1970s, Richard was just an ordinary high school student from New York City until he was chosen to be the last member of the alien Nova Corps. Think of them as an intergalactic police force, protecting the universe from threats.

MCU fans got their first taste of the Nova Corps back in 2014 with Guardians of the Galaxy. Xandar, their home planet, served as a key location, and we saw them in action against Ronan the Accuser. This introduction immediately sparked hopes that Richard Rider, Nova himself, wouldn't be far behind. He's a powerful character, often compared to DC's Green Lantern due to his cosmic abilities and uniform.

Nova's comic book history is rich, featuring him as a member of teams like the New Warriors, the Defenders, and even the Guardians of the Galaxy. He's battled cosmic beings and is familiar with places like Knowhere, making him a natural fit for the MCU's expanding cosmic lore, especially with the Fantastic Four now in the mix, who often deal with universe-level threats like Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer.

Why Glen Powell is a Stellar Choice for Marvel's Cosmic Crusader

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So, why is Glen Powell generating so much excitement for this role? Waldron’s insight comes from working closely with Powell on Chad Powers, where he witnessed the actor's work ethic and on-screen energy firsthand. He noted that Powell has the "cocky and boastful demeanour" perfect for an overpowered character like Nova.

Powell has proven his leading-man status with a string of hits, effortlessly blending charm, humor, and a heroic intensity. These qualities align perfectly with Richard Rider’s persona in the comics, who is often depicted as rebellious and quick-witted, much like some of the MCU's most beloved heroes, such as Iron Man and Thor. His ability to portray both selfless heroism and darker, more complex personality traits makes him a versatile choice.

Despite being a highly sought-after actor, Powell has yet to don a superhero suit. In an August 2024 interview with The Playlist, he admitted, "I’ve never gotten a call from DC or Marvel. But I’m a fan of everything they do." This openness, combined with Waldron's direct suggestion, makes the idea of Powell as Nova even more compelling. While some might point out that Richard Rider often starts his Nova journey as a teenager in the comics, Powell's age (currently 36) wouldn't be an issue if Marvel Studios opts to introduce an already full-fledged adult version of the character, leveraging his star power to launch a new cosmic era.

The Long and Winding Road to Nova's Marvel Cinematic Universe Debut

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Nova's journey to the MCU has been a bit of a rollercoaster. After the Nova Corps' debut in Guardians of the Galaxy, hopes were high. However, James Gunn, director of the Guardians trilogy, deliberately chose not to include Richard Rider, explaining that Nova was "just too big of a character" and his presence as another human hero might be redundant alongside Peter Quill.

The character almost made it into Avengers: Infinity War, with an early idea to feature Rider after Thanos’s destruction of Xandar. Ultimately, this didn’t make the cut, with co-writers Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus feeling it "didn't make much sense" in the context of Xandar's devastation without proper setup.

Things seemed to be finally moving forward in 2022 when reports surfaced about a Nova project being developed for Disney+. Sabir Pirzada, a writer from Moon Knight, was initially attached to develop it. Kevin Feige even confirmed its existence in 2023, expressing hope for a premiere within three to four years. By December 2024, Ed Bernero of Criminal Minds fame was brought on as showrunner, with the series drawing comparisons to cosmic sci-fi epics like Battlestar Galactica and Star Trek.

However, the momentum slowed earlier this year. In February 2025, reports indicated that the Nova series, along with other Disney+ projects like Strange Academy and Terror, Inc., was put on pause. The primary reason cited was budget concerns, as cosmic-scale projects tend to be expensive, and Disney's streaming strategy has shifted towards more contained, lower-budget shows. This halt in production has led to speculation that Marvel might pivot, potentially developing Nova as a big-screen feature instead, or perhaps introducing him as part of a larger "cosmic reset" following the events of Avengers: Doomsday.

Adding more fuel to the fire, Marvel Comics is currently relaunching Nova with Richard Rider back in the lead. The comics often serve as a testing ground for concepts that might eventually make it to film or TV, so this could be Marvel gauging renewed fan interest for a live-action adaptation.

When Could We Actually See Glen Powell Suit Up as Nova in the MCU?

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The big question is: when could this dream casting become a reality? Marvel's schedule is certainly packed. Here are the upcoming major MCU movie release dates to keep in mind:

Spider-Man: Brand New Day: July 31, 2026
Avengers: Doomsday: December 18, 2026
Avengers: Secret Wars: December 17, 2027

While Waldron is a writer for Avengers: Doomsday, principal photography for the film has already wrapped. This makes a sudden introduction of a completely new character like Nova in Doomsday unlikely, barring any significant reshoots. However, the door isn't entirely closed. The scale of Avengers: Secret Wars is expected to be massive, pulling in heroes and villains from across the multiverse. This epic conclusion to the Multiverse Saga could be the perfect stage for Nova to make a surprising, impactful debut.

Beyond the films, the next confirmed Marvel release on Disney+ is Wonder Man in January 2026. While Nova's dedicated series is on hold, the shift in strategy could mean he pops up elsewhere first. Given the expanding cosmic realm of the MCU and the departure of the original Guardians of the Galaxy team, there’s definitely a void that a powerful cosmic hero like Nova could fill, leading the charge into the next chapter of galactic storytelling.

The Future of Marvel's Cosmic Adventures: Anchoring a New Era

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The idea of Glen Powell as Nova brings a fresh, dynamic energy to the MCU. His rising star power could attract new audiences to Nova's story, and Waldron’s endorsement carries significant weight given his integral role in shaping the current Marvel narrative. If Marvel Studios decides to move forward with a Nova project, whether it's a retooled series or a film, Powell's involvement would undoubtedly make it a highly anticipated event.

Richard Rider’s character arc—from an ordinary teen to a seasoned protector of the galaxy—offers immense storytelling potential. Introducing him now could not only expand the lore of the Nova Corps but also provide a new, charismatic anchor for the MCU's cosmic adventures post-Multiverse Saga. Imagine Powell, with his signature blend of swagger and heart, leading the charge through the cosmos. It could be exactly what the MCU needs to reignite that familiar sense of wonder and excitement!

For now, fans will be keeping a close eye on any official announcements from Marvel Studios. Whether it's in Secret Wars or a standalone project, the possibility of Glen Powell joining the MCU as Nova is certainly a thrilling prospect worth cheering for.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nova and Glen Powell in the MCU When will Nova debut in the MCU? An official debut date for Nova in the MCU has not been confirmed. While a Disney+ series was in development, it's currently on hold. He could potentially appear in a future film like Avengers: Secret Wars (December 17, 2027), but this is speculation. Is Glen Powell officially cast as Nova? No, Glen Powell is not officially cast as Nova. His name was suggested by Michael Waldron, a writer for Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars, as a dream casting. Powell himself has stated he hasn't been contacted by Marvel or DC. What is the Nova Corps? The Nova Corps is an intergalactic military and peacekeeping force from the planet Xandar within the Marvel universe. They were first introduced in the MCU in 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Where can I watch movies featuring the Nova Corps right now? You can stream Guardians of the Galaxy (which introduces the Nova Corps) on Disney+. Disney+ plans start at $9.99 a month (with ads), though pricing is subject to change. Sources