Supernova: 10 Actors Who Could Play Nova in the MCU

Nick Robinson gained commercial success when he starred in Jurassic World and has since gotten even more famous with his headlining performance in Love, Simon. In my mind, he is the perfect person to play Nova. He’s young, handsome, in shape, on the bubble of being an A-list star, and Marvel will likely realize that and give him a shot at this coveted character.

Dylan O’Brien has been the most popular young actor for a few years now, and there’s a good reason for that. He has a lot of experience starring in his own movies, appearing as Thomas in The Maze Runner franchise, and even does a wealth of his own stunts. O’Brien would undoubtedly be the front-runner to play the Sam Alexander version of Nova, and I think that his young hot-shot persona is enough to grant him the role.

Taron Egerton is one of the most popular A-list stars in Hollywood right now, and he has reached such stardom at only 29 years old. While Marvel has no problem with casting unknown actors in starring roles, Egerton would be a valuable addition to the MCU, and could possibly even be the glue that holds together a new version of the Guardians of the Galaxy. I think that he would be the full package for Nova, and could possibly be the best choice to play the character.

While Ezra Miller is currently playing The Flash for the DCEU, it doesn’t look as though that universe will survive much longer, and Miller is a diverse enough actor to portray two different superheroes at the same time. Despite his lackluster performance in the aforementioned role, I think that Miller’s comedic timing and youthful energy would be a perfect fit for Nova. This is an actor who always has a lot on his plate, but because of that he has reached an immense level of fame, and could be an excellent addition to the Marvel universe.

Harington is a bit older than everyone else on this list, but because of that he could be believed as either Richard Rider or Sam Alexander. Whichever way you slice it, Harington is just such a talented actor, and could play any character you give to him. He is more accustomed to playing darker roles, but he is a naturally funny person, so I don’t think that playing the always entertaining Nova would be too much of a stretch for him.

The hardcore Marvel fan may remember when Asa Butterfield was the front-runner to play Spider-Man, and although he didn’t get that role, he is on their radar. While I think that Butterfield would make a better Harry Osborn, Nova could end up being an excellent fit as well and, and Asa is a ranged enough actor to take any role Marvel would want to give him. He could easily pass for a high school age superhero, and while Spider-Man is an opportunity that has passed him by, Nova may be a fitting consolation prize.

Logan Lerman has been a popular young adult star ever since his starring roles in the Percy Jackson franchise and The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and has started to attract a more adult audience with movies like Fury. Being able to appeal to such a diverse fanbase is something that Marvel always looks for, so Lerman’s previous works should make for a wonderful resume. Lerman is the exact kind of actor I picture when thinking of Nova, and I think that everyone would be pleased with this casting decision.

Ansel Elgort has been a favorite actor of mine ever since his performance in the outstanding film Baby Driver, and despite looking a bit older, he is only 24! I would love to see Elgort join any superhero universe, but I think that Nova is an interesting opportunity that he could capitalize on. Whenever a young role in a major franchise arises (i.e. young Han Solo), Elgort is usually the first on the list, and I think that he may actually end up in this character’s shoes.

Dave Franco is known mainly as a comedic actor, but that does not exempt him from a role in the Marvel universe. Just look at what the MCU has done for actors like Paul Rudd and Chris Pratt, essentially turning them into blockbuster action stars. Not only is Franco hilarious and charming, but he’s also in tremendous shape already, and I think that his boyish charm could work well as Nova.

Josh Hutcherson looked like the biggest star ever when The Hunger Games first came out, and while that phase of his career has come and gone, he is still only 26 years old. Hutcherson could still easily pass as a high school student, and has the short stature and youthful look that someone might associate with Sam Alexander. This is the exact kind of actor that fans have been waiting for Marvel to draft into the fold, and I think that Nova could be the perfect character for Josh Hutcherson to portray.