MCU Nova: Avengers Writer Picks Glen Powell for Cosmic Hero!

Michael Waldron, one of the brilliant minds behind upcoming Avengers movies, just dropped a major hint about who he thinks should suit up as Nova in the MCU, and it's none other than the currently unstoppable Glen Powell!

TL;DR

• Avengers: Doomsday co-writer Michael Waldron wholeheartedly endorses Glen Powell for the role of Richard Rider, aka Nova.
• Powell's rising star power, charisma, and acting range make him a fantastic fit for Marvel's cosmic hero.
• While Nova's solo project has seen development hiccups, Kevin Feige confirmed it's still coming, likely in the next few years.

One of Marvel's Top Writers Has His Eyes on a "Maverick"

If you're keeping up with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you definitely know Michael Waldron's name. He's been instrumental in shaping some of the wildest parts of the Multiverse Saga, bringing us the fan-favorite series Loki and penning the reality-bending screenplay for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Now, he's deep in the trenches co-writing the script for the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday and its follow-up, Avengers: Secret Wars.

So, when someone with that much creative clout speaks about casting, we listen! Waldron recently chatted with The Playlist while promoting his new Hulu series, Chad Powers. Who's the star of Chad Powers? You guessed it: Glen Powell. And after working closely with Powell, Waldron is convinced the actor has the perfect "Nova Force" within him.

"He'd be a pretty good Nova," Waldron commented, adding, "He’s my co-creator and my star, so he’s literally Chad Powers. 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."

Glen Powell: From Fighter Pilot to Cosmic Protector?

Glen Powell has been on an absolute tear lately, soaring into the stratosphere of Hollywood's leading men. After stealing scenes in Top Gun: Maverick, he's proven his diverse acting chops in rom-coms like Anyone But You, action-comedies like Hit Man, and the upcoming disaster epic Twisters. He's also set to star as Ben Richards in Edgar Wright's adaptation of Stephen King's The Running Man, hitting theaters on November 14, 2025.

It seems like everywhere you look, Powell is bringing his signature blend of charisma, sharp wit, and undeniable screen presence. Fans have actually been trying to cast him in superhero roles for years, with names like Cyclops and even Captain America being thrown around. Powell himself has mentioned he's open to the idea, saying he's a fan of what Marvel and DC do and "wouldn't say no" if a studio called.

Why This Casting for Richard Rider Just Makes So Much Sense

Waldron's endorsement isn't just because he's a fan of his co-star; it genuinely lines up with what many comic enthusiasts envision for Nova. Richard Rider, the most prominent version of Nova, is known for his relatable human struggles mixed with epic cosmic adventures. He's a powerful member of the Nova Corps, an intergalactic peacekeeping force, but he often has a rebellious, sometimes reckless streak.

Powell looks the part, absolutely, but more importantly, he has the acting range to embody Nova's complex personality. He can nail the wisecracking hero vibe, bring authentic emotional depth when things get serious, and certainly handle the physical demands of a cosmic superhero. While Richard Rider traditionally gets his powers at 17, Powell, currently 36, could easily play a more mature, full-fledged adult version of the character, which many fans would be thrilled to see.

The Long and Winding Road for Nova's MCU Debut

The idea of Nova joining the MCU isn't new; it's been a long-gestating project that fans have eagerly awaited. Marvel first introduced the Nova Corps in 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy, hinting at the larger cosmic universe. We even heard about the Nova Corps' destruction on Xandar in Avengers: Infinity War, which made many wonder if Richard Rider had survived.

A solo Nova project, initially planned as a Disney+ series, was announced in March 2022. Sabir Pirzada (of Moon Knight fame) was attached to write, and later Ed Bernero took over as showrunner in December 2024. However, reports in early 2025 indicated the project was put on hold due to Marvel's streaming strategy shifts and budget concerns. There's been talk that it could still happen, potentially even shifting from a series to a movie.

Despite the delays, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige previously confirmed Nova's future, stating in a 2024 interview that the project is "three or four years out" and adding definitively, "Richard Rider, yep." This suggests Nova is still very much in Marvel's plans, perhaps as a major player in the MCU's next cosmic chapter post-Multiverse Saga.

What This Means for the MCU's Cosmic Future

With Avengers: Doomsday wrapping production and set for release on December 18, 2026, and its sequel Avengers: Secret Wars following on December 17, 2027, the Multiverse Saga is building to an epic conclusion. While it's unlikely Nova would make his full debut in these already packed films (unless it's a surprise cameo in Secret Wars), the timing of his potential arrival post-2027 makes a lot of sense.

A character like Nova could easily lead the next era of cosmic storytelling, especially as the original Guardians of the Galaxy team has largely wrapped up their journey. With Marvel Comics also relaunching Nova with Richard Rider back in the lead, it feels like all the pieces are slowly falling into place for this beloved hero to finally get his time in the MCU spotlight. And if Michael Waldron has anything to say about it, Glen Powell might just be the one wearing that iconic helmet.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Nova and Glen Powell

When will Nova officially join the MCU? While there's no firm release date, Kevin Feige indicated the project is "three or four years out." This likely means we'd see Nova after the conclusion of the Multiverse Saga, possibly sometime in late 2027 or 2028. Will Nova get a movie or a Disney+ series? The project was initially announced as a Disney+ series, but due to shifts in Marvel's strategy and budget considerations, there are now rumors it could be redeveloped as a feature film. Nothing official has been confirmed yet, so it's still up in the air! Who is Richard Rider, the Nova Michael Waldron is talking about? Richard Rider is the original Nova in Marvel Comics. He's a high school student from New York who gains powers from a dying member of the intergalactic Nova Corps, becoming a "human rocket" and cosmic protector. He's known for his wit, bravery, and significant role in major cosmic storylines like Annihilation.

Sources

• MovieWeb
• CinemaBlend
• ComicBook.com
• Cosmic Book News
• The Direct
• FandomWire