Imagine a universe where one of Marvel's most underrated heroes finally gets the spotlight. But here's the twist: the perfect actor to bring him to life might just be someone you’ve already been rooting for in a completely different role. Yes, we’re talking about Nova, the cosmic powerhouse of the Nova Corps, and Glen Powell, the actor who’s been on everyone’s radar since his scene-stealing performance in Top Gun: Maverick. While the Nova Corps made their brief but memorable debut in Guardians of the Galaxy over a decade ago, they’ve largely remained in the shadows of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This has left fans wondering when—or if—we’ll ever see a deeper exploration of this intergalactic peacekeeping force, particularly through the lens of Richard Rider, the Earth-based hero who becomes one of their most iconic members.
And this is the part most people miss: Richard Rider’s story is deeply tied to the legacy of Rhomann Dey, the Nova Corps member played by John C. Reilly in Guardians of the Galaxy. After Dey’s death, Rider inherits the Nova Force, becoming a symbol of hope and power in the cosmos. Yet, despite the character’s rich potential, a standalone Nova project has been stuck in development limbo for years. Creative shifts and pauses in production have left fans in a state of perpetual anticipation. Earlier this year, reports even suggested that Marvel’s plans for Nova, along with other projects like Strange Academy and Terror Inc., had been temporarily shelved (https://www.slashfilm.com/1795536/marvel-disney-plus-shows-paused-nova-strange-academy-terror-inc/).
But hope isn’t lost. Enter Michael Waldron, the writer behind Loki, who recently shared his vision for the perfect Nova. During an interview with The Playlist (https://theplaylist.net/chad-powers-michael-waldron-on-his-glen-powell-led-sports-comedy-its-ted-lasso-dna-his-pick-for-marvels-nova-bingeworthy-podcast-20251017/), Waldron didn’t hesitate to name Glen Powell as his top choice. When asked where Powell would fit in the MCU, Waldron simply stated, ‘He’d be a pretty good Nova.’ This endorsement isn’t just a casual suggestion—it’s a bold statement that aligns Powell’s charisma and versatility with the heroic essence of Richard Rider.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Glen Powell was once the fan-favorite pick to play Hal Jordan, the iconic Green Lantern, in DC’s cinematic universe. His performance in Top Gun: Maverick solidified his status as a leading man, and fans dreamed of seeing him don the green and black suit (https://www.slashfilm.com/1056232/actors-we-want-to-see-in-a-green-lantern-remake/). However, those dreams were dashed when HBO announced Kyle Chandler as the seasoned space cop in the upcoming Lanterns series (https://www.slashfilm.com/1671207/kyle-chandler-green-lantern-tv-series-hal-jordan/). So, could Nova be Powell’s chance to embody a character cut from the same heroic cloth as Hal Jordan? After all, both heroes are intergalactic protectors with a knack for inspiring awe.
The parallels don’t end there. Like Hal Jordan, Richard Rider is a symbol of resilience, especially considering the Nova Corps’ tragic backstory. Their home planet, Xandar, was destroyed by Thanos off-screen before the events of Avengers: Infinity War (https://www.slashfilm.com/1259539/avengers-infinity-war-cut-45-minute-sequence-thanos-power-stone/), leaving Rider as one of the last guardians of their legacy. Powell’s ability to balance charm, vulnerability, and strength makes him a natural fit for this role. Plus, his admiration for Guardians of the Galaxy—which he credits with bringing levity back to superhero stories (https://www.slashfilm.com/1977423/glen-powell-marvel-movie-changed-hollywood-guardians-of-the-galaxy-feelings/)—suggests he’d embrace the tone of a Nova project.
But let’s not forget the elephant in the room: Powell has yet to receive a call from Marvel or DC, though he’s expressed his fandom for both (https://theplaylist.net/glen-powell-says-hes-never-received-a-marvel-or-dc-call-calls-backdraft-a-rumor-20240816/). So, the question remains: Is the MCU ready to give Nova the spotlight he deserves, and is Glen Powell the man to carry that torch? Or will this be another missed opportunity for a hero—and an actor—who both deserve their moment?
What do you think? Is Glen Powell the perfect Nova, or should Marvel look elsewhere? And could this be the role that finally cements his place in the superhero pantheon? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s just getting started.
