Who Is Nova? The MCU’s Next Cosmic Superhero Explained (Powers & Origin)

The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s next cosmic hero is shaping up to be Nova, a character with a wealth of story and incredible powers in Marvel Comics. For years, a potential Nova project has been rumored as an upcoming Marvel TV show. Despite this not being confirmed by Marvel Studios, those familiar with the comic book character have been eagerly anticipating Nova’s introduction to the sprawling live-action universe be it in the rumored TV format or as an upcoming Marvel movie.

In light of this anticipation, an update about the Nova MCU TV show has been provided via Comic Book. In an interview with the outlet for X-Men ’97‘s promotional campaign, Brad Winderbaum – Marvel Studios’ Head of Television, Streaming, and Animation – was asked about a potential Nova project. Winderbaum then confirmed that Marvel Studios are in “really early development on Nova,” leading many unfamiliar with the character to wonder about his comic book counterpart. With that in mind, here is everything about the MCU’s next cosmic superhero explained, from his powers and abilities to his origin story and character arc.

Nova Has Long Been Rumored For The MCU

Nova’s theories and rumors stretch back as far as 2018.

While reports about a Nova project have not been around for long, the first theories about the character’s MCU inclusion began in 2018 after the release of Avengers: Infinity War. In this film, it was revealed that Thanos destroyed Xandar to retrieve the Power Stone. Xandar is the home of the Nova Corps in the MCU and was featured at length in Guardians of the Galaxy, meaning its off-screen destruction was a disappointment to some. However, this led to theories that Xandar’s destruction would serve as the origin story of Nova, given how integral the planet is to his character.

While no concrete confirmation came from Marvel, a report from Deadline in 2022 seemingly revealed Nova would be joining the MCU. This report claimed that a Nova TV show would be heading to Disney+ with Moon Knight writer Sabir Pirzada on board. This report similarly did not receive word of clarification from anyone at Marvel Studios or Disney, that is until Brad Winderbaum’s aforementioned interview. While it is not overly clear whether Nova will be a TV show or movie, the prior reports hinting at the former mean it is safe to assume Nova’s MCU debut will be on Disney+.

Nova Marvel Comics Origin Explained

Nova’s origin story ties together the cosmic and Earthly aspects of Marvel Comics’ universe.

Nova’s origins stem from the destruction of Xandar that occurred in Marvel Comics. In this storyline, the intergalactic pirate known as Zorr decimated Xandar and the Nova Corps, leaving one last Centurion alive. This Centurion, Rhomann Dey, tracked Zorr to the planet Earth. Unable to combat the pirate due to his extensive injuries, Rhomann Dey picked one of the humans below at random to inherit his powers and become the last Centurion of the Nova Corps.

The human who was picked was named Richard Rider and inherited the powers of a Nova Centurion. Rhomann Dey telepathically explains to Richard what has transpired and tells him of his mission to continue the Nova Corps, something Rider attempts to ignore in favor of a normal life. Rider eventually accepts his powers before defeating Zorr and continuing to fight crime in New York as the superhero Nova. This kickstarted Nova’s Marvel Comics storyline, with his origin story being tied directly to Xandar’s destruction and the dying acts of Rhomann Dey.

Nova Marvel Superpowers Explained

Nova’s comic book powers come from the Nova Corps, only severely augmented.

Given that Richard Rider was imbued with the powers of the Nova Corps, his abilities are very similar to the other Centurions that existed as part of the intergalactic peacekeepers. All Nova Corps Centurions are powered by a near-limitless void called the Nova Force, with each warrior acting as a host for the power that gives them their powers. However, as Richard Rider received his powers from the last living Xandarian Centurion, he became the sole host of the Nova Force, which provided him with immeasurable power over the prior Nova Corps.

The powers that the Nova Force imbued Rider with are many, with some being specific to the character of Nova. That said, Nova possessed several abilities that are common among Marvel Comics superheroes, including enhanced physical strength. The Nova Force allowed Rider to become incredibly powerful from a physical standpoint, as well as providing him with superhuman speed, agility, durability, accuracy, stamina, and reflexes. Nova also possesses a regenerative healing ability which, in the rare instances Rider is physically injured, allows him to channel the Nova Force to heal wounds.

Rider’s connection to the Nova Force also allows him to generate incredible amounts of energy. Aside from using the Nova Force to propel him through the air, Rider can also use the power in a weaponized format. From beams of pure light that shoot out of his hands, eyes, or entire body to the ability to create Space Gates and powerful shields, the Nova Force is a pathway to many abilities that aid Nova in combat. Finally, the Xandarian Worldmind imbues Rider with all the knowledge of Xandarian culture, providing him with great intelligence.

How The MCU Has Set Up Nova’s Story Already

The Infinity Saga already laid the groundwork for a Nova story in the MCU.

As alluded to, the MCU has already teased an origin story for Nova. Guardians of the Galaxy first introduced the planet of Xandar to the MCU in 2014, along with the Nova Corps. While the Centurions shown in the MCU did not exhibit the same abilities they did in Marvel Comics, the overall culture, history, and society of Xandar and the Nova Corps were established. Similarly, Rhomann Dey (John C. Reilly) played an integral role in Guardians of the Galaxy after striking a relationship with Peter Quill, meaning he could return should the Nova TV show follow Marvel Comics closely.

Aside from establishing the Nova Corps and their planet, the Infinity Saga then furthered the possibility of a Nova origin story via Avengers: Infinity War. At the end of Guardians of the Galaxy, the Power Stone was kept on Xandar, protected by the Nova Corps. During Thanos’ quest to annihilate half of the universe, he laid siege to Xandar and stole the Power Stone. This plot point could easily replace Zorr’s attack on Xandar from Marvel Comics, leading to Rhomann Dey fleeing to Earth to search for a successor.

In the MCU, Rhomann Dey was shown to have a complicated history with Star-Lord. While Star-Lord often got on the wrong side of the Nova Corps’ rules, Rhomann eventually came to respect the outlaw when he and the other Guardians of the Galaxy defended Xandar from Ronan the Accuser. This relationship means that it would make sense for Rhomann to seek out an Earth-based champion as the successor of the Nova Corps, as he knows the good humans are capable of. Through these various plot points, the MCU has already established the story of Nova, the next big cosmic hero.