Michael Waldron Dodges the Glen Powell ‘Nova’ Question, but the Hints Keep Piling Up
Few pieces of Marvel fan casting have stuck around as long as the idea of Glen Powell playing Richard Rider. Powell has been linked with superhero roles for years, and the cosmic hero Nova has been one of the most persistent matches. Now the man most likely to make that decision is being asked about it directly.
That man is Michael Waldron, the writer behind ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ and the creator of ‘Loki’. He is co-writing ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ with Stephen McFeely, and he is also the writer developing Marvel’s ‘Nova’ movie. Waldron and Powell co-created the Hulu comedy ‘Chad Powers’, which means the actor and the writer already have a working relationship.
The latest chapter came this week. In an interview about the second season of ‘Chad Powers’ published Oct. 16, Waldron told Variety that getting to write and direct a Marvel movie would be “a dream come true.” When Variety then asked whether he had thought about a way to get Powell cast as Richard Rider, he joked that it is the kind of question to ask someone who is hypothetically directing the movie. He added that anyone who wanted to keep that job should not answer it.
It is a classic dodge, but it is also telling. Waldron didn’t deny that he is in line to direct, and he didn’t say anything to rule Powell out. He simply declined to confirm a casting decision, which any filmmaker in his position would be wise to do.
The moment also shows how much Waldron’s tone has shifted. Last month, speaking to TheWrap, he said he loves Rich Rider while answering most ‘Nova’ questions with a version of whoever does it. This time, he leaned into the hypothetical and acknowledged the possibility that he could be directing.
The project has come a long way from its earlier life as a Disney+ series, which was paused in development. Marvel Studios has since moved forward with a feature film, with Deadline reporting that Waldron is writing the script and eyeing the director’s chair if the project moves forward. The film remains in early development, and it doesn’t have a release date.
Waldron has also hinted at the story’s direction. Speaking about the project, he indicated that a ‘Nova’ movie would need to deal with the destruction of the Nova Corps during ‘Avengers: Infinity War’. Rumors have suggested the film could introduce both Richard Rider and Sam Alexander, with Annihilus as a possible villain, though none of that is confirmed.
The Powell link is not new. Waldron told The Playlist last October that Powell would make a pretty good Nova when asked which MCU role suited the actor. That comment fueled a year of speculation, and it only grew once the movie was confirmed.
Powell also has the credentials. He starred in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, ‘Twisters’ and ‘Anyone but You’, and ‘Chad Powers’ earned him a Golden Globe nomination for its first season. He has been rumored for other superhero roles in the past, including Cyclops and Booster Gold, so a Nova casting would fit a long-running pattern.
The two have a track record of making things together. ‘Chad Powers’ is based on the ‘Eli’s Places’ segment from ESPN, and it follows a disgraced quarterback who disguises himself to get a second shot at football. Waldron directed 4 of the 6 episodes in season 2, which began streaming in September.
In the Variety interview, Waldron also discussed ratings growth for season 2 and plans for a potential third season. The comedy has found an audience, and its success shows the creative chemistry between the two. That history is part of why fans see Powell as the natural choice.
Waldron’s schedule is already packed. ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ opens in theaters on Dec. 18, and he is also involved in ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’, which is set for Dec. 17, 2027. ‘Nova’ is expected to come after those events, likely in the next phase of the MCU.
That timing matters because it gives Marvel plenty of room to decide on casting. Nothing has been officially reported about an offer or a deal for Powell, and his own interest in the role hasn’t been confirmed. For now, the speculation remains exactly that.
Even so, the way Waldron talks about the project suggests it is a personal passion. A writer who calls the chance to direct a dream come true is unlikely to treat casting lightly. Whoever puts on the Nova helmet will be chosen with care.
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