7 Ways The MCU Has Already Set Up Nova’s Introduction

A Nova project has recently been confirmed to be in early development as part of the MCU, with the franchise already including several elements that tease the character’s introduction. Nova’s superhero origins and powers make him one of the more beloved from Marvel Comics, though the character also known as Richard Rider has been absent from the MCU since its inception. That said, this is set to change in the future with a potential Nova MCU TV show receiving a significant boost from Marvel Studios’ Brad Winderbaum.

Winderbaum confirmed to Comic Book that the studio is in early development on a Nova project, leading many to wonder how his MCU introduction will come about. While it has not been outright confirmed whether Nova will be an upcoming MCU movie or one of the studio’s Disney+ productions, a previous report by Deadline from 2022 supports the idea of a small-screen debut for the character. Regardless of whether Nova debuts in a movie or an upcoming MCU TV show, it remains the case that the franchise’s prior projects have already laid the foundations for Richard Rider’s live-action debut.

7
The Nova Corps Were Introduced In Guardians Of The Galaxy

The basis of Richard Rider’s story has been in the MCU since 2014.

One of the more obvious ways the MCU has teased Nova’s appearance is by the introduction of the Nova Corps. The Nova Corps first appeared in 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy as an intergalactic peacekeeping force based on the planet of Xandar. In Marvel Comics, Richard Rider is chosen as the successor of the Nova Corps, gaining the powers of a Centurion from the organization. With the Nova Corps already having been part of multiple MCU projects, the Nova series/movie will not have to establish this aspect of the titular character as heavily.

6
Rhomann Dey Is Already An Established MCU Character

John C. Reilly’s MCU character has a massive Marvel Comics connection to Nova.

In Marvel Comics, the most important character in Nova’s origin story is Rhomann Dey. Rhomann Dey is the last surviving Centurion of the Nova Corps after a pirate named Zorr decimates the planet of Xandar. After tracking Zorr to Earth but being unable to fight him due to his injuries, Rhomann chooses to pass on his Centurion powers to a random human. Richard Rider is then chosen, with Rhomann Dey helping to guide the newly-appointed Nova to continue the mission of the Nova Corps as the last surviving Centurion.

Alongside the planet of Xandar and the Nova Corps, Guardians of the Galaxy also introduced Rhomann Dey to the MCU. Played by John C. Reilly, Rhomann Dey appeared at length as one of the Nova Corps’ top operatives, opposing then later aiding the titular Guardians against the assault on Xandar by Ronan the Accuser. With Rhomann Dey already being established in the MCU, this necessary part of Nova’s backstory has also been teased and would require little introduction.

5
Xandar’s Destruction By Thanos Sets Up Richard Rider’s Introduction

The Mad Titan’s MCU genocide completes the third vital aspect of Nova’s origin story.

With the Nova Corps and Rhomann Dey already being part of the MCU, the last part of Nova’s comic book origin story has also been established. The idea that Xandar has been destroyed is already part of the MCU, even if not from the pirate Zorr like in Marvel Comics. In 2018’s Avengers: Infinity War, Thor revealed to the Guardians of the Galaxy that Thanos laid waste to Xandar and the Nova Corps in an attempt to secure the Power Stone. This could be the final piece of the puzzle the MCU needs to tee up Nova’s introduction.

Like the comics, the MCU could have Rhomann Dey be the last known survivor of the attack on Xandar. This could then lead him to Earth, where he passes on the power of the Nova Force to Richard Rider. This would not only provide Nova with a similar origin story to the one in Marvel Comics, but it would tie it into a major part of the franchise’s history in a logical change from the source material.

4
Rhomann Dey’s Relationship With Star-Lord Sets Up Richard Rider’s Nova Powers

Rhomann’s past MCU friendships could tie into Richard Rider’s Nova origins.

In Guardians of the Galaxy, Rhomann Dey was, at first, an antagonist to Star-Lord and the other Guardians. However, when the Guardians vowed to stop Ronan from destroying Xandar, Rhomann was the first to advocate for Star-Lord’s character. Rhomann defending Star-Lord played a large role in the Nova Corps joining the Guardians and the Ravagers against Ronan, proving how their relationship went from humorous-yet-antagonistic to respectful.

This relationship is another way the MCU has set up Nova, albeit less directly than the aforementioned elements. If the MCU follows the story of Marvel Comics and has Rhomann Dey seek out a human to carry on the power of the Nova Force, it would make sense because of his relationship with Star-Lord. With the Xandarians gone, Rhomann would likely seek out a race in the cosmos who he knows are capable of goodness after he saw such with Star-Lord, leading him to Earth and Richard Rider.

3
Guardians Of The Galaxy 3’s Star-Lord Tease Could Tie Into Nova

The hint that “the legendary Star-Lord will return” could be used for the MCU’s Nova project.

At the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, it was teased that Chris Pratt would return as Star-Lord in the MCU’s future. Given that the film effectively ended the story of the Guardians that began in 2014, many have been wondering how Star-Lord could return in a way that feels satisfying. However, the recent Nova announcement could provide the perfect way for Star-Lord’s seemingly inevitable return.

If Rhomann Dey gives Richard Rider his powers as is the case in the comics, it would make a lot of sense for the former to tell the latter to seek out Star-Lord. Peter Quill has a vast knowledge of the MCU cosmos, especially Xandar. As such, Quill could be the mentor to Richard Rider in convincing the new Nova why his powers are important, and what the Nova Corps used to stand for.

2
The MCU Has Laid The Groundwork For The Xandarian Worldmind

An interesting Nova power has been similarly explored in the MCU’s past.

In Marvel Comics, the people of Xandar are all connected by the Xandarian Worldmind. This is an endless hive of knowledge based on Xandar’s culture, people, and society that every member of the Nova Corps also possesses. This would mean that Richard Rider, should he be introduced, would be the sole possessor of the Xandarian Worldmind as he is with the Nova Force. While this concept may seem difficult to introduce, the idea is similar to the MCU’s Kree Supreme Intelligence from Captain Marvel and The Marvels, another way in which the franchise has subtly teased Nova’s inclusion.

1
The MCU Needs More Cosmic Superheroes

Future Marvel heroes need to move away from the Earthbound characters of Phases 4 and 5.

Since Avengers: Endgame, only the new Guardians team from the ending of Guardians of the Galaxy 3 and the titular heroes from Eternals have been new cosmic additions to the franchise. All other new characters have been bound to Earth, something that somewhat diminishes the cosmic storytelling of the MCU. In some ways, this can be seen as a set-up for Nova to spearhead the MCU’s future cosmic superheroes. In the absence of the old Guardians, Nova could become exactly what the MCU needs to reignite the otherworldly explorations of the franchise.