Kevin Feige Reveals MCU Nova Series Release Timeline

Disney’s CEO Bob Iger recently stated that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) will focus more on its well-established characters in the immediate future. However, this doesn’t mean that new heroes will be entirely sidelined. One such character set to make his debut in the MCU is the cosmic hero Nova. With an update from Marvel Studios’ head Kevin Feige, fans now have a timeframe for when to expect Nova’s arrival.

Nova’s entry into the MCU was initially confirmed by Marvel Studios’ head of streaming, animation, and television, Brad Winderbaum. It was rumored that Nova would debut with his own series on Disney Plus. Feige confirmed this and even provided a vague timeline of when fans can expect to see Nova.

“It’s happening, it’s coming together,” Feige revealed in an interview with ComicBook.com. “It’s three or four years out.”

Based on Feige’s estimates, Nova could be introduced in Phase Six or even Phase Seven of the MCU, depending on existing project schedules. As of July 2024, confirmed Phase Six projects include The Fantastic Four, Blade, Avengers 5, and Avengers: Secret Wars. Notably, Secret Wars, scheduled for 2027, could potentially be the earliest point for Nova’s arrival.

Feige also confirmed that Richard Ryder, the original iteration of Nova, will be the character introduced into the MCU. This clarification puts to rest some speculation stirred by Winderbaum’s previous comments, which left fans wondering if the more recent version of Nova, Sam Alexander, would be featured. The guesswork intensified after a post-credit scene in The Marvels hinted at the formation of the Young Avengers, leading some to believe Sam Alexander could fit that narrative.

Richard Ryder first appeared in Marvel Comics’ The Man Called Nova #1 in September 1976. He was introduced as a high school student in New York City who encounters the dying Rhomann Dey, a member of the Nova Corps. Bestowed with Dey’s suit and abilities, Ryder inherits the powers of a Nova Corps Centurion.

Throughout his comic book history, Ryder has balanced his duties on Earth with his responsibilities to the Nova Corps, helping resolve conflicts across the galaxy. He has also been a member of numerous groups, including the New Warriors, Defenders, Secret Avengers, and Guardians of the Galaxy.

While fans may have to wait several years for Ryder’s official MCU debut, the Nova Corps has already been introduced. The intergalactic peacekeeping force first appeared in the 2014 film Guardians of the Galaxy. In the movie, the Guardians team aids the Nova Corps and the Ravagers in a climactic battle against Ronan the Accuser’s forces. The film concludes with the Nova Corps taking possession of the Power Stone for safekeeping, although later films imply that Thanos obliterated them during his quest for the Infinity Stones.

In summary, although the MCU will continue to highlight its veteran characters, new heroes like Nova are on the horizon. With a projected timeline of three to four years, fans can look forward to seeing Richard Ryder take to the skies in the MCU, possibly by Phase Six or Seven.

Source: ComicBook.com