Nova Almost Appeared in Avengers: Infinity War

The Guardians of the Galaxy may have saved the Nova Corps back in 2014, but the whole civilization was wiped out by Thanos offscreen before the events of Infinity War. As it turns out, the film would have almost included a new MCU hero in the roster—Nova.

Talking to the Hollywood Reporter, Endgame screenwriters Christopher Markus explains that Nova would be the one to warn Earth about the threat of Thanos. He says:

"I remember going through several scenarios of Nova. Thanos could come and kill all the Nova Corps, except one guy. Richard Rider, who then becomes … I think in that scenario he became the herald, kind of like the Hulk was [in Infinity War when he crashed into the Sanctum Santorum]. Someone who could come out and tell people."

In the original comics it was actually the Silver Surfer who warns Earth, but we had Banner deliver the message instead after he was transported back by Heimdall. Though I'm sure a lot of comic fans would have loved to have Nova introduced, I guess it would be hard to try and shoe-horn him into the story. I mean, why would he even warn Earth in the first place?

If anything, the universe already has a good set-up for Nova, and it will only be a matter of time before we can get him. We know that Richard Rider gets his powers from Rhomann Dey—who is John C. Reilly's character in Guardians. Who's to say that Dey doesn't pass on his powers after Thanos absolutely decimates Xandar?

For now, catch Avengers: Endgame in theaters now.

See Also: Unused Avengers: Endgame Subplot Reveals Black Widow's Other Job