Is Marvel finally bringing 'Nova' to cinemas with Michael Waldron?

Project remains early in development after previous version was shelved, with filmmaker also eyeing director role

Marvel Studios is once again moving forward with plans to introduce Nova to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this time as a feature film, with writer and producer Michael Waldron attached to develop the project.

According to reports, the film remains in the early stages of development, with Waldron currently writing the screenplay. He is also expected to be considered for the director's chair if the project continues to progress through development, although Marvel Studios has not officially confirmed the news.

The latest update marks a significant shift for the character, who had previously been in development as a television series. That version was being written by Sabir Pirzada before Marvel reportedly shelved the project in 2025 as the studio reassessed its expanding slate of television and film productions. Interest in Nova resurfaced after Waldron's Writers Guild listing briefly included the project, fuelling speculation that Marvel had revived the property in a different format.

Originally introduced in Marvel Comics in 1976, Nova became one of the publisher's prominent cosmic superheroes. The best known version of the character, Richard Rider, is selected to join the Nova Corps, an intergalactic peacekeeping force that grants its members extraordinary abilities. These include superhuman strength, enhanced durability, flight and advanced combat capabilities. Another popular incarnation, Sam Alexander, later inherited the Nova identity and has become a favourite among younger comic readers.

Although Nova has never appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Nova Corps has already played an important role. The organisation featured prominently in Guardians of the Galaxy, where Xandar served as the Corps' headquarters. Later, Avengers: Infinity War revealed that Thanos attacked Xandar to obtain the Power Stone before the events of the film, leaving many Marvel fans anticipating Nova's eventual introduction into the franchise.

Waldron is no stranger to Marvel's storytelling. He wrote Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, one of the studio's biggest releases, and served as the creator and head writer of Loki, which became one of Marvel Studios' most successful streaming series. His experience handling complex multiverse concepts and large scale action has made him one of the studio's most trusted creative voices.

Outside Marvel, Waldron has also earned praise for creating the wrestling drama Heels, starring Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig. The series found renewed popularity after reaching Netflix, while his production company, Anomaly, continues to operate under an overall deal with Disney. He also recently completed production on the second season of Hulu comedy Chad Powers, starring Glen Powell.

For Marvel Studios, Nova represents another opportunity to expand the franchise's cosmic storytelling following films such as Guardians of the Galaxy and Captain Marvel. The character's connections to the Nova Corps, Xandar and intergalactic conflicts provide natural links to existing Marvel mythology while introducing audiences to a fresh superhero with decades of comic book history.

Marvel has not announced a release date, casting decisions or which version of Nova will headline the film.