Marvel Studios executive confirms a NOVA project is in development

There have been reports of Marvel Studios developing a Nova film project for years. A couple of years ago it was reported that the studio began working on the project with Knight of the Moon writer Sabir Pirzada. That version of the project was a TV series. It was later reported that Marvel was reworking it as a film.

Now, there’s official confirmation from Marvel’s head of streaming, animation and television, Brad Winderbaum, that Nova is in development at Marvel Studios. Speaking to CB, he said:

“We love Nova. We’re in the early stages of developing Nova. We have a new system behind the scenes at Marvel Studios. We’re more like a traditional studio now. We’re developing more than we’ll actually produce. There are plans there to develop Nova. I love Nova. I also love Rich Rider. I hope it comes to the screen. The world is always chaos. There are always things. You have to conjure these things to make them happen, but I would love to see a Nova show someday.”

The mention of his desire to see a “Nova show” seems to indicate that the project is still in development as a series. He also confirms that the project will revolve around the Rich Rider version of the character.

Nova was originally introduced in 1976 The man called Nova #1 and was a member of the intergalactic police force known as the Nova Corps. He has superhuman abilities including enhanced strength, flight and resistance to injury.

Richard Rider “was just your average teenager. Not the class clown, not the wallflower, not the nice guy. He was in high school, had problems with girls, and tried to help his parents and younger brother when he was at home. Everything seemed to be going well for young Richard until he came into contact with the Nova Corps. The Nova Corps was a peacekeeping force based on the planet Xandar. The planet was destroyed by the space pirate known as Zorr. When Rhomann Dey, Nova Prime, was dying, he fled across the universe and went to Earth. There he chose Richard Rider to receive his powers and granted him the Nova Force. Rhomann Dey asked him to use his powers for the good of the Earth and the universe and to act as his protector. This was a lot for the teenage Rider, but he still started a superhero career with his new powers as Nova, the Human Rocket!”

President of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige Nova’s potential introduction into the MCU was previously discussed, saying: “Nova is… if we have a big board with a group of characters that have more immediate potential, Nova is on that board. Because of the connection to the Guardians universe, because there are more interesting examples to draw from in the comics. And you’re absolutely right, she was in the early drafts of the [Guardians of the Galaxy].”

Are you excited that Marvel is developing a Nova project? What would you like to see from it?