Picture this: a rising star from blockbuster hits getting cast as the hero who's basically Marvel's take on a beloved DC icon – could this be the crossover fans have been dreaming of?
It's been more than a decade since the Nova Corps burst onto the scene in the Marvel Cinematic Universe through James Gunn's "Guardians of the Galaxy." For those new to the concept, the Nova Corps is a peacekeeping organization in space, much like an interstellar police force dedicated to maintaining order across the galaxy. Despite their exciting introduction, they've mostly lingered in the background of Marvel's stories, leaving one of their most renowned members – Earth-born hero Richard Rider, also known as Nova – largely unexplored. In the comics, Rider steps up to join this elite group after the tragic demise of Rhomann Dey, the original Nova portrayed by the talented John C. Reilly in Gunn's film.
Over the years, rumors of a dedicated Nova Corps project have popped up sporadically, but progress has been a rollercoaster. Creative teams have changed, and development even ground to a halt earlier this year, as reported by sources like SlashFilm. Yet, even with things cooling off, "Loki" scribe Michael Waldron has weighed in on a potential casting choice that's got everyone buzzing. He pointed to Glen Powell, the charismatic lead from Waldron's recent film "Chad Powers" and the upcoming "Running Man," as an ideal fit for the role.
When interviewed by The Playlist, Waldron was asked where Powell might shine brightest in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and he didn't hesitate: Powell would make a stellar Nova. This suggestion feels spot-on, especially considering Powell's past performances and future gigs, aligning him with a character that echoes another comic book role fans once hoped he'd land – one that's probably off the table forever.
But here's where it gets controversial – Nova Corps could give Glen Powell the chance to embody the ultimate Green Lantern we never witnessed!
After Powell dazzled audiences by commanding the screen in "Top Gun: Maverick," he shot straight to the top of fan wish lists for DC's Green Lantern reboot, where he'd play Hal Jordan, the cocky pilot turned cosmic protector. (We at SlashFilm even championed him for the part!) Sadly, that ship has sailed, with plans now set for a more veteran space enforcer, Kyle Chandler, in HBO's "Lanterns" series. So, why not pivot Powell to Marvel's equivalent – Richard Rider, the Nova who's all about bravery, duty, and battling galactic threats?
Regardless of the universe, Powell seems tailor-made for the job. Think of Nova as a high-stakes role involving piloting advanced ships, wielding energy powers, and upholding justice in the stars. It could even position him as one of the Nova Corps' final standouts, especially after their base world of Xandar was obliterated by Thanos in the unseen events before "Avengers: Infinity War" – a nod to the epic scale of Marvel's threats. Powell himself has stayed neutral on comic book affiliations, admitting in a 2024 Playlist chat that neither Marvel nor DC has reached out, though he's a huge admirer of their work. He's particularly fond of "Guardians of the Galaxy," crediting it for ditching the moody, brooding hero archetype and injecting some fun, as seen in Peter Quill's playful style.
And this is the part most people miss – Powell's Nova could carry that lighthearted flame forward in the Nova Corps, provided he can groove to a beat like Chris Pratt's Quill dancing to Redbone. It's a small detail, but it highlights how Powell might blend action with charisma, making Nova feel fresh and accessible.
Of course, casting choices like this always stir debate. Is Powell the right pick to reboot Nova, or should Marvel explore more diverse or unexpected actors? Some might argue that sticking too closely to fan favorites risks predictability – what if Powell's charm overshadows the character's depth? Others could see this as Marvel cleverly poaching talent from DC dreams to fuel their own galaxy. What do you think? Would Glen Powell as Nova excite you, or do you have a different vision for the role? Share your thoughts in the comments – let's discuss!
