New art has imagined Xolo Maridueña as a new cosmic superhero in theMCUahead of the release of Marvel Studios’Novaseries. A live-action project focused on Nova from Marvel Comics was first revealed to be in development in 2022, and while production has been slowed down following output changes in the MCU, the project is still underway. Kevin Feige revealed toComicBookin 2024 that theMCU’s upcomingNovaseriesis"still three or four years out,“but the introduction of the titular hero is still incredibly exciting.
While theNovaseries is expected to focus primarily on theRichard Rider iteration of the cosmic herofrom Marvel Comics, it’s possible that the younger Nova could also be introduced.16-year-old Sam Alexander became Nova in 2011’sMarvel Point One #1, who steals his Nova Corps father’s helmet to become a hero in his own right. New fan art shared byArifinitysuggests thatCobra KaiandBlue Beetlestar Xolo Maridueña would be strong casting for the role ofSam Alexander’s Novain the MCU.
What Xolo Maridueña’s Nova Casting Would Mean For The MCU & DCU
Xolo Maridueña’s Future In The DCU Is Unclear
Xolo Maridueña starred as Jaime Reyes in 2023’sBlue Beetle, one of the final installments of the DC Extended Universe.Blue Beetleseriously underperformed at the global box office, becoming the lowest-grossing movie in the DCEU, but despite this, Maridueña has suggested that hisBlue Beetle will returnin James Gunn and Peter Safran’s rebooted DC Universe (viaScreen Rant). This might make Maridueña’s casting in the MCU impossible, but sinceBlue Beetle’s future still hasn’t been confirmed, joining the MCU could be a great next step for Maridueña.
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Kid Kree’s Mel-Varr
The most notable version of Nova in Marvel Comics is Richard Rider, so Kevin Feige’s confirmation of this iteration’s live-action debut is exciting. However, it would be even better for theMCU’sNovaseriesto introduce both Rider and Sam Alexander, particularly if a popular up-and-coming actor such as Xolo Maridueña is cast in the role.This could introduce a formidable new Young Avenger while also expanding on the MCU’s new cosmic stories, which have been left unclear afterGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3andThe Marvels.
Our Take On Xolo Maridueña As Nova In The MCU
Xolo Maridueña Would Be Great As Sam Alexander’s Nova
DespiteBlue Beetle’spoor performance, Xolo Maridueña was a fantastic choice for the character, and proved that he’d make an excellent addition to the MCU as Sam Alexander’s Nova.Maridueña’s charisma, curiosity and youthful energy would be perfect for Sam Alexander, especially if a more-established and better-known actor is cast as Richard Rider. A brilliant mentor/mentee relationship can be established as part of the MCU’s ever-growing cosmic stories, so the introduction of Xolo Maridueña in theNovaseries would be inspired.
