Imagine a universe where the charismatic star of Chad Powers becomes the cosmic hero we’ve all been waiting for. Could Glen Powell be the perfect Richard Rider in the MCU’s Nova? Loki and Avengers: Doomsday writer Michael Waldron certainly thinks so, and his endorsement has fans buzzing. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Powell’s charm and versatility make him a fan-favorite pick, Marvel Studios has yet to confirm any plans for Nova, leaving us to wonder if this dream casting will ever become a reality. And this is the part most people miss: Waldron’s vision for Nova isn’t just about the actor—it’s about exploring the vulnerabilities of a high-status hero, much like he did with Loki. Could Powell bring that same depth to Rider? Let’s dive in.
Michael Waldron, the mastermind behind Loki and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, recently shared his thoughts on the ideal actor to portray Richard Rider, a.k.a. Nova, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. During a conversation with The Playlist to promote his Hulu series Chad Powers, Waldron praised Glen Powell, suggesting the actor would be a stellar choice for the role. 'He’d be a pretty good Nova,' Waldron remarked, echoing the sentiments of many fans who’ve long imagined Powell in a superhero suit. Powell, known for his roles in The Running Man and Twisters, has yet to land a major Marvel or DC role, but his talent and screen presence make him a compelling contender.
But let’s back up for a moment. Marvel Studios has put its Nova plans on hold, leaving the project’s future—whether it’s a movie or a TV series—shrouded in mystery. The last we heard, it was being developed as a series, possibly with VisionQuest’s Terry Matalas as showrunner. Rumors suggest the story would revolve around Rider rebuilding the Nova Corps after Thanos’ devastating attack on Xandar, all while Annihilus and his Annihilation Wave threaten the galaxy. Glenn Close and John C. Reilly were reportedly being considered to reprise their Guardians of the Galaxy roles, with Sam Alexander also expected to appear. Sounds epic, right? But with Marvel’s ever-shifting priorities, only time will tell if this version of Nova will ever see the light of day.
Waldron’s connection to Powell goes beyond just casting suggestions. In Chad Powers, Waldron explores themes of vulnerability in high-status characters—a hallmark of his writing, as seen in Loki. 'Athletes are sort of real-world superheroes,' he explained. 'My favorite part of sports and superhero stories is uncovering the flaws beneath the glory.' This approach could make a Nova series with Powell not just action-packed but emotionally resonant. But here’s the question: Does Marvel share this vision, or will Nova remain in development limbo?
Marvel Television boss Brad Winderbaum recently shed some light on the studio’s process. 'We develop more shows than we produce,' he explained. 'Some get redeveloped, others are paused to be revisited later.' While this might sound frustrating for fans, it’s a reminder that not every project makes it to screen. Winderbaum also hinted at exciting ideas in the pipeline, leaving us hopeful for Nova’s eventual debut. But until then, we’re left to speculate—and dream.
Powell himself hasn’t shied away from expressing his love for the superhero genre. Last August, he revealed he’s never been approached by Marvel or DC but is a huge fan of their work. 'I just saw Deadpool & Wolverine and had a blast,' he said. 'What Shawn Levy and Ryan Reynolds did is extraordinary.' His enthusiasm is infectious, and it’s easy to see why fans are rooting for him to join the MCU. But is Marvel listening?
So, what do you think? Is Glen Powell the right choice for Richard Rider, or is there another actor you’d love to see in the role? And more importantly, do you think Marvel will ever greenlight a Nova project? Let’s debate in the comments—because if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that the MCU could always use more cosmic heroes.
