NOVA Disney+ Series Described As "Ensemble Piece" With "Shades Of TREK And BATTLESTAR"

Marvel Studios Head of Streaming, Television and Animation, Brad Winderbaum, has shared some intriguing updates on the planned Nova Disney+ series...

By MarkCassidy - Sep 03, 2024 09:09 AM EST

Filed Under: Marvel Studios

We first got confirmation that Marvel Studios was planning to introduce Nova to the Marvel Cinematic Universe back in 2022, and since then, there have been conflicting reports about which medium the project was being developed for.

Now, Marvel Studios Head of Streaming, Television and Animation, Brad Winderbaum, has confirmed that Nova is indeed heading to the small screen, and shared some intriguing updates on the studio's plans for the space-faring hero... or should that be heroes?

While speaking to the Phase Zero podcast, Winderbaum describes the Nova series as an "amazing ensemble piece with a great cast of characters" possibly indicating that both Richard Rider and Sam Alexander will feature. He also says that the show will have "shades of" both Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica.

Winderbaum also confirmed that more Special Presentations are on the way, though he didn't reveal any more details.

The Nova Corps were introduced in Guardians of the Galaxy, which led to speculation that Rider would eventually find his way into the GOTG franchise. James Gunn showed little interest in the character, but the Nova series will most likely spin-out from Thanos decimating most of the Corps in the build-up to Avengers: Infinity War.

Here's what Feige had to say about Nova's MCU introduction back in 2021.

"Timing is relative, right?" said the Marvel Studios boss. "I think I'd been talking about Doctor Strange eight years before that movie came out. So, 'immediate potential' is relative. But clearly, we are not shying away from the cosmic end of storytelling right in the sweet spot of the Nova Corps and Nova himself."

Sam Alexander first appeared in the Marvel Point One one-shot in back in November 2011 before going on to lead his own series beginning in February 2013. The Arizona teen inherited the Nova helmet from his missing father, and officially took up the mantle after being trained by Guardians of the Galaxy members Gamora and Rocket Raccoon.

Previous rumors have claimed that Ryan Gosling (Barbie, Blade Runner 2049) might be up for the lead role in Nova (he is believed to have had discussions with Feige about potentially boarding the MCU, but a Disney+ series might be a stretch), and we've also heard that a "young lead" is being sought. If accurate, this would further suggest that both Rider and Alexander will appear.

What do you make of these updates? Are you glad that Nova is going to be a Disney+ series, or would you prefer to see the character take flight on the big screen? Let us know in the comments section down below.

Marvel Studios Rumored To Have Plans For Obscure Superhero Aero, The Protector Of Shanghai

Recommended For You:

Marvel Studios' 10 Worst MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE Movies Ranked

DISCLAIMER: ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and... [MORE]

ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.

Do you have what it takes to write for us?

Want to contribute?

23 Comments

mountainman - 9/3/2024, 9:53 AM

That would require it to be set off Earth. Doubtful they go that route unfortunately.

Apophis71 - 9/3/2024, 10:19 AM

@mountainman - The Battlestar link sounds more like it starts by following Rhomann Dey and a rag tag fleet of survivors to Earth which could setup meaning we would have Richard Rider recruited to take on the mantle and maybe then fly off to Xandar to look for any other survivors and maybe unlock more of the powers if pne of the last to have access to them.

They could thus explain that why most the Nova Corp we have thus far seen seemed relatively weak compared to the source that the Nova force was spread too thin at that point in time, with few surviving they could unlock the maximum potential fixing an issue Gunn created with GotG.

mountainman - 9/3/2024, 10:28 AM

@Apophis71 - Having scenes on Earth is fine. They need to establish the characters. I’m just hoping it’s not all set on Earth.

Thor’s first two movies were mostly on Earth. Captain Marvel too. The MCU seems hesitant to embrace the cosmic side.

Apophis71 - 9/3/2024, 10:30 AM

@mountainman - ...and yes, I know, set in space sounds unlikely for a TV series but considering both BSG and TNG had a budget around $1M per episode and D+ MCU shows have had upto $225M per series it could be done even if a slimmed down $40M for 8 episodes.

Apophis71 - 9/3/2024, 10:35 AM

@mountainman - I would go with first episode or two doing survivors from Xandar, then a couple episodes on Earth training up Rider and repairs to the ship, then a couple in space again returning to Xandar if it were me if it was a SHORT series. If a longer one then have a Nova squad formed through those leading to a Star Trek affair after that.

EgoEgor - 9/3/2024, 10:50 AM

@mountainman - but--but--but... how will my dumb dumb brain be able to care about a planet other than Earth???

TheVisionary25 - 9/3/2024, 10:06 AM

Given that Feige’s a big Star Trek fan , I’m not surprised that would be trying to find his own version of that in the Marvel universe aswell and Nova could fit that.

We could get Richard & Sam as both the lead as partners aswell as mentor/mentee though that could be too similar to how Lanterns is shaping up to an extent.

Also , I think Ryan Gosling could make a good Richard Rider!!.

bkmeijer1 - 9/3/2024, 10:21 AM

Wouldn't be surprised if we get both Richard and Sam then. Could see this show be about Richard being the mentor to the first class of new recruits, including Sam.

TheVisionary25 - 9/3/2024, 10:26 AM

@bkmeijer1 - him starting up a new Nova corps could be interesting

Or perhaps he’s been the lone one in space until this kid finds his dads Nova Helmet who Richard knew and that’s Sam?.

Apophis71 - 9/3/2024, 10:53 AM

@bkmeijer1 - It realy depends on how much they lean into what was established or not as we saw Rhomann Dey in GotG. As such the original origin would appear more likely using that character post Infinity war, however they could make changes.

As in Rider could already have a kid in his late teens and working on the space station when a rag tag fleet of survivors turns up from Xandar that needs his expert help and narrative reasons his Son ends up tagging along too.

Setting up from scratch that Richard was somehow already part of the Nova corp at the time of Infinity War may be a tad strange at this point sans any known contact between the two worlds outside of GotG unless they opt for alternate universe.

The other option would be to start out as a prequel to it with the first episode or two doing the Dad's story, then the battle of Xandar and intro of the son finding his Dad's helmet and somehow going off to search for him.

Do however think they will somehow have both RR and Son in it in order to add another younger character to eventualy join forces with all the others they have introduced.

bkmeijer1 - 9/3/2024, 11:03 AM

@TheVisionary25 @Apophis71 - I could see it play out that Richard rebuilt the Nova Corps after Thanos' decimation in Infinity War, and now finally he has set up an academy for new recruits like Sam.

It's nothing like the comics origin, but I think they shouldn't try to coopy that anyway with the unique MCU history they can build off instead.

TheVisionary25 - 9/3/2024, 11:09 AM

@bkmeijer1 - I don’t mind it not being like the comic in that regard…

The MCU is it’s own thing at this point

You could be right too , certainly would fit the Trek vibe with Starfleet etc.

Apophis71 - 9/3/2024, 11:12 AM

@bkmeijer1 - Works for me :D

WakandaTech - 9/3/2024, 10:57 AM

http://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/CbWP17Kglg7pdlP_M497tA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTY0MDtoPTg5Ng--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/life_style_868/1b68c229896a05547afc0b0270b40caf

WakandaTech - 9/3/2024, 10:58 AM

@WakandaTech -

You release Nova in 2026 and move Doomsday to 2027 and Secret Wars to 2028

that way Nova can be a major player in the Multiverse Avenger movies

GodHercules20 - 9/3/2024, 11:01 AM

Too late now, same with Wonder Man

Instead of Captain Marvel movie, they should've made Nova Richard Rider movie or introduced him in Endgame

mountainman - 9/3/2024, 11:36 AM

@GodHercules20 - Yes. That release date for Captain Marvel could have been a perfect place for a Nova movie. Xandar was destroyed by Thanos and the entire power of the Nova Core transferred to a lone Nova Core member Richard Rider of Earth, who had been off world at the time. It could have really expanded the cosmic side of the MCU much better than Captain Marvel did.

GeneralZod - 9/3/2024, 11:04 AM

"'shades of' both Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica."

Yeah, but which Star Trek? The series that are good or the more recent ones that utterly reek?

The1st - 9/3/2024, 11:44 AM

@GeneralZod - My thoughts exactly.

EgoEgor - 9/3/2024, 11:49 AM

@GeneralZod - strange new worlds is pretty good.

GeneralZod - 9/3/2024, 12:10 PM

@EgoEgor - Dude, i tried S1 of SNW. I can't get into it. I actually like the casting. The writing lost me.

marvel72 - 9/3/2024, 12:12 PM

@GeneralZod - Star Trek:Diversity I mean Star Trek:Discovery.

WakandaTech - 9/3/2024, 11:10 AM

I really believe that Marvel will have to move both Doomsday 2027 and Secret Wars 2028

Please log in to post comments.

Don't have an account?
Please Register.

NOVA Disney+ Series Described As "Ensemble Piece" With "Shades Of TREK And BATTLESTAR"

Marvel Studios Head of Streaming, Television and Animation, Brad Winderbaum, has shared some intriguing updates on the planned Nova Disney+ series...

Marvel Studios Rumored To Have Plans For Obscure Superhero Aero, The Protector Of Shanghai

Marvel Studios' 10 Worst MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE Movies Ranked