The Marvel Cinematic Universe may be preparing for one of its biggest transitions yet. With ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ bringing Peter Quill’s story full circle, the beloved Star-Lord, played by Chris Pratt, might finally be heading for his swan song. While the movie teased that “The Legendary Star-Lord will return,” fans know that in the MCU, that doesn’t always mean forever.
However, if Pratt does eventually hang up his blasters, Marvel may already have the perfect successor waiting in the wings. Thanks to a recent comment from ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ writer Michael Waldron, attention has turned toward ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ star Glen Powell. Moreover, the idea of him playing Nova could be exactly what the MCU’s cosmic side needs next.
Glen Powell’s Nova Could Carry The Cosmic Torch After Star-Lord
Michael Waldron, who not only penned ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ but also worked with Powell on the upcoming Hulu comedy ‘Chad Powers’, told The Playlist that if he could cast the actor in any Marvel role, “He’d be a pretty good Nova.” It’s a simple statement. However, coming from someone so deeply involved in shaping the next phase of the MCU, it could mean a lot more than casual fan-casting. And honestly, it makes perfect sense.
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Nova, aka Richard Rider, is an intergalactic superhero chosen to inherit the powers of the Nova Corps. His story is heroic, emotional, and full of potential, making him an ideal figure to carry the torch from the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ franchise into the MCU’s next chapter of space adventures. The beauty of Nova’s story is that it echoes Star-Lord’s in many ways. Both are ordinary men thrust into extraordinary circumstances and have a deep connection to the cosmos.
Additionally, both thrive on humor, charm, and an underdog’s sense of humanity. Glen Powell’s natural charisma and down-to-earth humor make him an ideal fit for this type of role. Michael Waldron’s comment holds even more weight given his central position in the MCU’s upcoming slate. As the writer behind ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, he’s deeply involved in shaping Marvel’s post-Endgame era. So he has a say in deciding which heroes might take center stage in the next cosmic storyline.
How Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord Inspired Glen Powell
Interestingly, Glen Powell himself has credited Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord for reshaping Hollywood’s idea of a leading man. In a 2025 GQ, Powell openly admitted that Pratt’s portrayal in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ helped pave the way for his own success. “There’s no doubt it really helped, not being brooding or dark,” Powell said, reflecting on how Star-Lord’s goofy, optimistic charm opened doors for a different kind of male hero. Before that, Powell recalled, Hollywood was filled with “brooding sad boys”.
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He claimed this was a trend dominated by actors like Christian Bale and Robert Pattinson. “For a long time, I was mostly cast as the jock or the fraternity guy or the vanilla next-door neighbor,” Powell explained. “But when Pratt danced his way onto screens as Peter Quill, things started to change.” Powell admired how ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ shifted the tone of superhero cinema. “He was doing things that were a little more silly and buoyant,” Powell said. “That’s where I feel most at home.”
