Marvel Is Considering Introducing Richard Rider’s Nova To The MCU

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has dozens of superheroes, but fans always want more. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 teased audiences with a taste of Adam Warlock, but fans are still waiting for Nova to make an appearance. And, if director James Gunn is to be believed, then Marvel Studios may already have plans for the cosmic icon.

Taking to Facebook, the Guardians of the Galaxy visionary did a live Q&A with fans. It was there a fan asked Gunn if the MCU has plans in store for Nova, and the director said Marvel Studios is considering introducing the “real” Nova. So, if you have been waiting to meet Richard Rider, then your number may be called soon.

If you are not familiar with Richard Rider, then you should know the hero is considered Marvel’s de facto take on Nova. The character was usurped in recent years by Sam Alexander, a new hero who suited up as Nova after Rider was trapped in the Cancerverse. Sam’s inheritance of Nova was met with mixed reviews, so Marvel chose to bring back Richard and pair him with his successor to appease fans.

Nova’s history with the Marvel Universe is a complicated one, but fans know it is one closely intertwined with the Guardians of the Galaxy. Gunn’s first Marvel film paid homage to Nova in part by introducing the Nova Corps, a police force that watched over Xandar. The Nova Corps played an important role in the Guardians of the Galaxy, and the nod set up Richard’s future introduction to the MCU.

After all, Richard becomes Nova in the comics after the New York student comes in contact with a Nova Corps soldier. Rhomann Dey crashes onto Earth after escaping Xandar as the planet’s last surviving Nova Corps member. Richard is given Rhomann’s uniform and cosmic powers, and the boy eventually adopts the moniker Nova to protect Earth.

In the past, Gunn has discussed the use of Nova in future MCU features. The director told Super Interessante last year that he’s interested in bringing Nova to the big screen. “You know, I think Nova is a great character. He may definitely show up at some point in the future,” he said. “It will not be in Guardians 2, but at some point.”

Back in 2014, Gunn told SlashFilm he had no intentions of bringing Nova to life in the near future. However, the director did not rule out the possibility of a standalone movie.

“I don’t want Nova right now because I think Quill being the only earthling is important. That serves the entire movie going audience and not just the handful of Nova fans… I have nothing against Nova in future movies, but it doesn’t serve the movie right this moment.”

Following the success of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Marvel Studios has put plenty stock in Gunn. The writer-director has been tasked to head up the future of the MCU’s cosmic films, so Gunn has the power to bring Nova to life if he wants. Now, it is just a matter of finding the perfect venue to introduce Richard Rider to fans and usher in a new era of intergalactic superheroism.

Did you enjoy Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2? Give it your personal rating below!