MCU Architect Michael Waldron Backs Glen Powell for Nova Role!

A major Marvel writer just dropped a cosmic bombshell, suggesting none other than Hollywood's current golden boy, Glen Powell, for the long-awaited role of Nova in the Marvel Cinematic Universe!

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop

• Michael Waldron, a key writer for upcoming blockbusters like Avengers: Doomsday, publicly endorsed Glen Powell as the perfect Nova.
• Despite fan speculation, Powell himself says he's never officially been contacted by Marvel or DC, but he's totally "game" for a superhero role.
• The Nova solo project has seen some delays, but Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige previously confirmed it's still happening, aiming for a 2027-2028 release.

Is Glen Powell Ready to Fly into the MCU as Nova? A Major Marvel Writer Thinks So!

Alright, Marvel fans, get ready to buzz! We’ve all been wondering who’s next to join the superhero squad, and a pretty important voice just threw a name into the ring that’s got everyone talking: Glen Powell as Nova. Michael Waldron, the mastermind behind some huge MCU hits like Loki and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and a co-writer on the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, recently shared his thoughts, and let's just say, it makes a lot of sense!

During an interview with The Playlist's Bingeworthy Podcast, Waldron didn't hesitate when asked about his ideal Nova. He said, with full confidence:

"He'd be a pretty good Nova."

— Michael Waldron on Glen Powell playing Nova

That's right, the guy who's helping steer the entire Multiverse Saga sees the Top Gun: Maverick star as the perfect fit for Richard Rider, Marvel's answer to a certain green-ringed space cop. This isn't just casual fan chatter; this is an insider nod from someone who truly understands the MCU's evolving landscape and casting needs.

The Special Connection Between Waldron and Powell Beyond Marvel

You might be thinking, "Why is Waldron's opinion so weighted?" Well, these two aren't just passing acquaintances. Michael Waldron and Glen Powell recently teamed up as co-creators on the Hulu sports comedy series Chad Powers. This collaboration gave Waldron a front-row seat to Powell's incredible talent, work ethic, and charming on-screen presence.

Waldron raved about their partnership, highlighting Powell's "great sense of story structure" and how he "delivers this incredible physical performance under prosthetics" for Chad Powers. It's this intimate knowledge of Powell's range – his ability to blend confidence, humor, and genuine emotional depth – that makes Waldron's suggestion so compelling. He's seen firsthand how Powell embodies the kind of dynamic energy a character like Nova demands.

Glen Powell's Openness to Embracing a Superhero Persona

So, what does Glen Powell think about all this superhero buzz? Even with his career skyrocketing thanks to blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick, the romantic comedy Anyone But You, and the upcoming disaster epic Twisters and Stephen King adaptation The Running Man (where he plays Ben Richards, hitting theaters November 14, 2025), Powell has been surprisingly honest about his superhero aspirations.

Back in an August 2024 interview, Powell admitted, "I've never gotten a call from DC or Marvel." But don't let that fool you; he's clearly a fan of the genre! He mentioned enjoying Deadpool & Wolverine and appreciating "everything they do." He's "game for a superhero role; he's just waiting for one of the big studios to reach out." It seems his early, unglamorous role as a stockbroker terrorized by Bane in The Dark Knight Rises gave him an appreciation for the genre that has stuck with him.

Powell has even been part of fan speculation for other roles, including Cyclops in an X-Men reboot (as early as August 2022) and even as a potential replacement for Chris Evans' Captain America (speculated in 2025). This shows fans have long seen his potential for donning a cape, or in Nova's case, a cosmic helmet!

Unpacking the Cosmic History of Marvel's Nova

For those unfamiliar with Nova, let's dive into his stellar origin story! Richard Rider, the original Nova, has been a staple of Marvel's cosmic lore since the 1970s. Created by Marv Wolfman and John Romita Sr., he first appeared in The Man Called Nova #1 in September 1976. He’s essentially a high school kid from Earth who gets imbued with the "Nova Force" by a dying alien, Rhomann Dey, making him a member of the intergalactic peacekeeping force known as the Nova Corps.

The Nova Corps itself isn't new to the MCU; we first saw them in action in 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy, defending Xandar. However, Richard Rider himself has yet to make his debut, even after Avengers: Endgame and The Marvels expanded the cosmic side of things. His home planet, Xandar, was even mentioned as having been destroyed by Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War, setting up a potentially rich, emotional backstory for Nova if he were to appear.

In the comics, Nova has been a significant player in major cosmic storylines like "Annihilation" and has even served alongside the Guardians of the Galaxy and Secret Avengers. His character is often portrayed as rebellious and a bit reckless, but always with a strong sense of duty and a powerful, charismatic presence – traits that align perfectly with Glen Powell's strengths.

The Long and Winding Road to a Nova Project in the MCU

Getting Nova to the screen hasn't been a smooth ride for Marvel Studios. Talk of a dedicated Nova project first surfaced on March 24, 2022, initially with Moon Knight writer Sabir Pirzada attached to develop a Disney+ series. Then, on December 16, 2024, Criminal Minds alum Ed Bernero was brought in as showrunner, seemingly confirming the series format.

However, the momentum slowed down significantly. By February 20, 2025, reports indicated the series was put "on pause," no longer a top priority for Marvel Television, facing similar delays to many other Marvel projects. There's been ongoing speculation about whether it might transform into a movie instead of a series, possibly due to the high budget demands of cosmic storytelling.

Despite the "on hold" status, there's still hope! In a 2024 interview, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige himself confirmed, "It's happening, it's coming together. Richard Rider, yep." He even mentioned it was "three or four years out" at the time, which would place a potential release around 2027 or 2028. So, while it's not on the immediate slate, it's definitely on Marvel's long-term radar, waiting for the right moment and perhaps, the right star like Glen Powell, to get it truly off the ground.

Why Glen Powell is the Stellar Choice for Richard Rider

Aside from Waldron's glowing endorsement and personal experience, there are several compelling reasons why Glen Powell would be an amazing Nova. For one, his current age of 36 (as of October 2025) is a factor. While Richard Rider famously became Nova at 17 in the comics, Marvel often adapts origins. Casting Powell would mean focusing on a more seasoned, adult version of the character, which could provide fresh storytelling opportunities and immediately position Nova as a formidable cosmic force.

Powell's ability to balance charisma with a touch of rebelliousness, seen in roles like 'Hangman' in Top Gun: Maverick, perfectly echoes Richard Rider's comic book persona. He brings a compelling mix of cockiness and heart, which would make Nova instantly relatable and exciting. His undeniable star power could also provide the necessary boost to get the long-gestating Nova project moving again, anchoring a new era of cosmic storytelling for the MCU, especially as older teams like the Guardians of the Galaxy evolve.

Imagine Powell's high energy and comedic timing blended with Nova's immense cosmic power – it could be exactly the "fun flavor" that audiences, and Marvel, are looking for as the Multiverse Saga progresses and perhaps resets.

Fitting Nova Into the Future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe

The MCU's future is packed, with Avengers: Doomsday set for December 18, 2026, and its sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars, following on December 17, 2027. We'll also see Spider-Man: Brand New Day on July 31, 2026, and Wonder Man premiering on Disney+ in January 2026 as the next confirmed Marvel release.

With such a heavy schedule, Marvel is careful about introducing new major players. However, Nova is a character with deep ties to the cosmic side of the universe, and his introduction could expand the MCU's scope post-Secret Wars. If the Nova project is indeed "three or four years out," it perfectly positions Richard Rider to lead the next major cosmic chapter, potentially alongside emerging factions like the X-Men.

Whether it's a Disney+ series or a full-blown feature film, having a recognizable and dynamic star like Glen Powell attached could give Nova the push he needs to finally make his grand entrance, bringing a new face and energy to the galaxy's defenders.

What This Potential Casting Means for Marvel's Cosmic Future

Glen Powell's potential as Nova is more than just exciting fan-casting; it signifies a strategic move for the MCU's cosmic narrative. With the original Guardians of the Galaxy team largely stepping back, the universe needs new heroes to protect it from interstellar threats. Nova, with his rich comic book history and direct connection to the Nova Corps, is a natural successor.

A star of Powell's caliber would bring significant attention to the character and solidify Nova's place in the broader MCU. It could even pave the way for adaptations of beloved comic storylines like "Annihilation," which has long been rumored and somewhat set up in Infinity War's backstory. While the wait for an official announcement continues, Michael Waldron's public endorsement has certainly fired up the Nova Force in fans' minds!

Frequently Asked Questions About Glen Powell and Nova Has Glen Powell officially been cast as Nova? No, not officially. Michael Waldron's comments are a personal endorsement and a suggestion, not an official casting announcement from Marvel Studios. When is the Nova project expected to be released? While the Nova project has been "on pause" since February 2025, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige stated in 2024 that it's still happening and could be "three or four years out," suggesting a potential release around 2027 or 2028. Who is Nova in Marvel Comics? Nova, primarily Richard Rider, is a cosmic superhero powered by the Nova Force. He is a member of the intergalactic police force known as the Nova Corps and has ties to the Guardians of the Galaxy and other cosmic Marvel teams. Where can I see the Nova Corps in the MCU now? The Nova Corps made their live-action debut in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), where they were depicted as the military and police force of the planet Xandar. You can also see their presence in animated projects like Marvel Zombies. Sources

• Collider
• CBR
• MovieWeb
• ScreenRant
• ComicBook.com
• FandomWire
• TMB (The Movie Bulletin)
• Cosmic Book News