After rumors started to spread of a potential Nova project from filmmaker Michael Waldron last week, sources now tell Deadline that the Chad Powers creator is developing a feature film around the comic at Marvel Studios. Insiders stress the project is still in early development but that Waldron is on board to pen the script with eye to directing the project if it moves forward.
Marvel Studios and reps for Waldron could not be reached for comment.
The studio had initially been developing the comic as a TV show with Sabir Pirzada penning the script but ultimately shelved that idea in 2025. Last week, the title came up again when Waldron’s WGA card was leaked with the project being listed as a credit leading to the reveal that Waldron had been brought on to tackle a new pitch.
Nova first appeared in an 1976 issue of Super Adventures was member of the intergalactic police force known as the Nova Corps, for which he gained superhuman abilities including enhanced strength, flight and resistance to injury. While the character didn’t have many run-ins with some of the main figures of the current or past MCU, he did have some battles with the Skrulls, who have big parts in recent and upcoming Marvel projects including Captain Marvel and the limited series Secret Invasion.
Waldron has strong ties with Disney and Marvel going back to when he penned the hit Doctor Strange sequel, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. He has since been the showrunner on one of Marvel biggest TV shows, Loki and is currently a co-writer on Avengers: Doomsday.
His range extends well beyond the superhero universe as his critically celebrated wrestling drama Heels, which he created and executive produced for Starz, starring Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig, found a new global audience upon its arrival on Netflix
His production company Anomaly currently has a big overall deal with Disney and he recently wrapped production on the second season of the hit Hulu series Chad Powers starring Glen Powell. He is repped by CAA and Untitled Entertainment.
