When it comes to superheroes and supervillains, there is no disputing the fact that Marvel has an embarrassment of riches in that department. Through the cinematic adaptations of these iconic characters in films and narratives in the MCU, their personalities and powers have been made more tangible to fans across the world.
While the MCU has introduced a plethora of characters ranging from superheroes to antagonists in various phases, Richard Rider, aka Nova, who has been a Marvel Comics favorite, has yet to be given space to shine. Now, in big news from the headquarters, the franchise’s head of streaming has confirmed that a standalone Nova project is being developed.
Marvel’s Nova Will Make a Well-Deserved MCU Debut
Richard Rider, aka Nova, was first created for Marvel in 1966 by writer Marv Wolfman in issue #3 of Super Adventures. Originally a star in his own right in the books, the character appeared in supporting roles in other publications as well. As a member of the intergalactic police force known as the Nova Corps, he possessed superhuman abilities, which included elevated strength, flight, and a firm resistance to injury.
More significantly, Nova is seen as one of the most intimidating heroes in the Marvel universe, whose powers have made many supervillains look weak in comparison. A joke propagated by the Avengers directors, the Russo Brothers, which got fans extremely excited about seeing the character in the film series, ultimately ended in disappointment.
All along, fans have been addressing the elephant in the Marvel room – Why has Nova not featured in the MCU yet? Now, their questions are being answered through some excellent news that has come from the horse’s mouth. Marvel’s head of streaming Brad Winderbaum has confirmed that a project on the charismatic superhero is in development at Marvel Studios. Dishing out the details to Phase Zero Channel, he said,
“We love Nova. We are in really early development on Nova. I love Nova, too. I love Rich Rider, too. I hope it gets to the screen. The world is always chaos. There’s always things. You gotta conjure these things to make them happen but I would love to see a Nova show, one day.”
Based on hints from Winderbaum, the project looks to be taking shape as a potential Disney + series, which could give sufficient space for the character’s history to be explored fully.
Why Is Marvel’s Nova Perfect for the MCU?
There is enough written matter in Marvel Comics to prove that Richard Rider, aka Nova, is a force to be reckoned with. Not only does the character possess unassailable powers, but he is also among the elite list of superheroes who have the distinction of defeating many ominous supervillains.
In one of the storylines, Nova teams up with Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord, to confront, trap, and kill Thanos in the Cancerverse. In an even bigger battle, the intergalactic superhero takes on Ultron as well. As the leader of the artificial intelligence Phalanx, Ultron temporarily captures Nova, who ultimately brings him down with the help of Star-Lord, Quasar, and Wraith.
The character is also credited with giving the Thunderbolts, who underestimated his abilities, a run for their money. With Venom and Radioactive Man being no patch for the superhero, Iron Man had to step in to diffuse the situation in this storyline. All these instances are sufficient proof that Nova deserves a coveted MCU spot.
