Top Gun: Maverick has been the biggest movie of 2022 thus far and has made instant stars out of each of its supporting cast members, proving one of those actors would be the perfect MCU Nova. The film’s blend of heart-pounding action, humor, and heart has made it an instant classic as well as an interesting parallel for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The MCU has relied on a similar formula for its movies and shows for more than a decade now. And on the heels of a massive set of release date announcements for MCU Phase 5 and 6 at San Diego Comic-Con 2022, speculation and hype for the franchise doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon. One of the most speculated about projects coming soon to the MCU is the as-of-yet unconfirmed solo Nova project. Richard Rider – aka The Man Called Nova – has been primed for an MCU debut for years now, but Top Gun: Maverick and its star Tom Cruise may have helped reveal the perfect casting choice for the cosmic hero.
Richard Rider can be a crucial character for the MCU as the franchise looks to potentially rebuild the Nova Corps and expand on its cosmic elements. Making his Marvel Comics debut back in 1976, Rider was a New York teenager chosen by the last surviving member of the Nova Corps to become imbued with their powers and protect their destroyed home planet, Xandar. The Nova Corps was briefly introduced into the MCU in Guardians of the Galaxy, and speculation about Richard Rider’s first appearance has been brewing ever since. As audiences await more details about Nova’s live-action debut, including which actor will portray the character, one of the unexpected breakout stars of Maverick has established himself as the perfect casting choice. And with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 on the horizon next summer, now is the perfect time for Marvel to capitalize on the rising star’s momentum.
In his most significant role to date and first major box office success – Top Gun: Maverick – 33-year-old Glen Powell proved that he, and not Miles Teller, is the perfect rising star to bring Nova to life in the MCU. Powell garnered rave reviews in Maverick as Lieutenant Jake “Hangman” Seresin, including from his co-star Tom Cruise. Powell, previously known for comedic projects such as his roles in the series Scream Queens and Netflix rom-com Set It Up, made such an impression on Tom Cruise at his Maverick audition that Cruise insisted Powell not only be cast as Hangman but also that the script be rewritten to feature the character more prominently.
Could Glen Powell Play Nova In The MCU? Why Marvel Should Cast Him
It’s easy to see why Cruise wanted more of him. In the expanded Hangman role, Powell showed off his comedic chops with a sarcastic, biting sense of humor and a bit of villainous swagger that instantly jumped off the screen. However, Powell was able to deliver additional depth to the deceptively antagonistic Hangman, using his charm to become a lovable hero as he prevents a catastrophic tragedy in the film’s final act. That combination of humor and tragedy has been the MCU’s trademark since its inception and would be a major asset to Powell were he to be cast as Rider.
Using a similar range of skills to those that Powell showed in Top Gun: Maverick and other roles, Robert Downey Jr. was able to reestablish himself as a household name with his instantly iconic portrayal of Iron Man. Actors like Chris Pratt and Bradley Cooper have already established the Guardians of the Galaxy blend of traditional comedy and heartfelt superhero tragedy. Powell’s Richard Rider would fit in seamlessly with the existing cast, assuming the Guardians are part of MCU’s Nova plan.
As excitement builds for the future of the MCU, Marvel has a perfect opportunity to build the hype even further by casting the fast-rising Glen Powell as the lead for Nova. Coming off his breakout role in the blockbuster smash Top Gun: Maverick at only 33 years old, Powell has proven that he has what it takes to be the next MCU megastar for years to come. He is the perfect Richard Rider casting choice.
