Picture this: Glen Powell, the charismatic star who stole scenes in Top Gun: Maverick, donning a cosmic suit to become Marvel's next big space hero. But here's where it gets controversial – could he really step into the boots of Richard Rider, the Earth-born Nova Corps legend, and eclipse even the dreams fans had for him as a Green Lantern? Let's dive into the buzz from Loki writer Michael Waldron and explore why this casting idea is sparking wild debates among comic book enthusiasts.
It's been more than a decade since the Nova Corps burst onto our screens in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, making their grand entrance in James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy. Yet, despite their role as a noble peacekeeping force patrolling the vastness of space, they've lingered on the sidelines, largely unexplored. This has kept one of their most iconic members – Richard Rider, the tough Earth-based hero – out of the spotlight too. For newcomers to Marvel lore, think of the Nova Corps as an elite interstellar police squad, sworn protectors of the universe, who recruit exceptional individuals to uphold justice among the stars. Rider joins after the tragic passing of Rhomann Dey, brilliantly portrayed by John C. Reilly in Gunn's film, transforming from an ordinary guy into a cosmic guardian.
Rumors of a Nova Corps project have flickered on and off over the years, with creative teams coming and going, only to stall completely earlier this year – as detailed in reports from SlashFilm. Even so, Loki scribe Michael Waldron hasn't been shy about sharing his take on who'd nail the role. In a chat with The Playlist, he pointed straight to Glen Powell, the star of Waldron's current project Chad Powers and the upcoming comedy Running Man. When asked where Powell might shine brightest in the MCU, Waldron declared, 'He'd be a pretty good Nova.' And this isn't just casual talk; Powell's track record and upcoming gigs make it seem like a match made in the stars. It could be a delightful twist of fate for a movie he adores, and it would slot him into a part eerily similar to another comic hero fans have fantasized about seeing him portray – though that's probably a pipe dream now.
But here's the part most people miss: Casting Powell as Nova could let him embody the Green Lantern we never got to witness. After Powell dazzled in Top Gun: Maverick and rocketed to the top of fan wish lists for DC's Hal Jordan in a Green Lantern reboot – including our own picks at SlashFilm – that dream fizzled when plans shifted to the more veteran space cop Kyle Chandler for HBO's Lanterns. Wouldn't it be poetic justice, then, to pivot Powell toward Marvel's equivalent: Richard Rider? For those just tuning in, Hal Jordan is DC's courageous pilot-turned-superhero, wielding a powerful ring that channels willpower into incredible feats, much like Nova's energy-based enhancements and flight suit.
No matter the cosmic franchise, Powell seems tailor-made for the job, whether it's defending the galaxy as a Lantern or standing as one of the Nova Corps' final warriors – especially after their headquarters on Xandar was obliterated by Thanos between films, as revealed in deleted scenes from Avengers: Infinity War. Powell himself has stayed neutral on which comic universe he'd join, admitting in a 2024 Playlist interview that he's never fielded an offer from Marvel or DC, but he's a huge supporter of their worlds. He's even heaped praise on Guardians of the Galaxy for injecting fun and lightheartedness into hero stories, arguing it freed characters from being perpetually moody and grim, thanks to Peter Quell's upbeat vibe.
So, could Powell keep that energetic spirit alive as a Nova, perhaps even busting moves to 'Rebone' like Chris Pratt's Star-Lord? It's a tantalizing prospect that blurs the lines between universes, but is it fair to compare a Marvel hero to a DC icon? And this is the part that might ignite debates: Some argue Powell's charm could rejuvenate the Nova Corps, making them as beloved as the Guardians, while others worry it might dilute Marvel's unique lore by echoing DC too closely. What do you think – should Glen Powell be Richard Rider, or is this just fan service gone too far? Share your thoughts below; we'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have another actor in mind for the role!
