Nova is poised to join the MCU in a new project being developed at Marvel Studios. In order to bring the fan-favorite character to life, Marvel Studios has recruited Sabir Pirzada, one of the writers on Oscar Isaac's Moon Knight.
The latest Marvel Studios project is based on the character Richard Rider, a.k.a. Nova, a New York high school student who is granted superhuman abilities such as enhanced strength, flight, and a resistance to injury. These powers are bestowed upon him by a dying Rhomann Dey, the last surviving member of planet Xandar's Nova Corps. It is unclear if Marvel Studios intends to use this comic book origin for the MCU version of Nova.
Deadline broke the news about Marvel Studios developing a Nova project, but right now it isn't known if this project will be a feature film or a limited series for Disney Plus. Of course, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige will once again serve as an executive producer, though he and Pirzada are the only known names attached to the project at this time. Pirzada's history with Marvel Studios includes writing two episodes of the upcoming Moon Knight series.
While Richard Rider has not been introduced or even mentioned in the MCU just yet, the Nova Corps has had a pretty substantial role in the franchise despite having only made one major appearance. The intergalactic police force appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy and took the Power Stone for safekeeping after the titular team of misfits defeated Ronan the Accuser. Unfortunately, it is implied that the Nova Corps is all but eradicated when Thanos decimated Xandar in search of the stone just prior to events of Avengers: Infinity War.
The presumed demise of the Nova Corps perfectly sets to stage for one surviving member to pass their powers onto Richard Rider, just like in the comics. Furthermore, the Skrulls are set to play a sinister role in Marvel Studios' Secret Invasion series, and Nova took part in a war between the Xandarians' and the Skrulls in the comics, so perhaps fans will have a better sense of how Richard Rider will make his MCU debut once that series concludes.
Regardless of how Nova is introduced to the MCU, fans are likely thrilled to hear that he will be joining the franchise. The character has long been on the list of heroes fans most desire to see in the MCU, and it appears their patience is going to be rewarded.
The Nova project is in development at Marvel Studios.
Source: Deadline