15 Actors Perfect for the Role of the Nova in the MCU

Nova brings the power of the Nova Force and the legacy of the Nova Corps together with human determination. In the comics the mantle is most closely linked to Richard Rider and Sam Alexander and both versions connect naturally to cosmic teams like the Guardians of the Galaxy. The character’s blend of space opera scale and everyday relatability gives casting a clear target that mixes physical credibility with a strong dramatic range.

The list below highlights performers with proven action chops or breakout lead turns plus a track record in projects that balance spectacle with character. Every name here comes with a body of work that shows agility with comedy and drama as well as experience in ensemble settings that mirror the way Marvel stories often unfold.

Dacre Montgomery

Dacre Montgomery is an Australian actor known for playing Billy Hargrove in ‘Stranger Things’ and Jason Scott in ‘Power Rangers’. His work spans horror, teen drama, and superhero action which shows comfort with effects heavy sets and long running ensemble storytelling.

He trained and graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and began screen work in Australia before moving to global projects. His film credits include ‘The Broken Hearts Gallery’ and he has stage and short film experience that rounds out a strong technical foundation.

Dylan O’Brien

Dylan O’Brien led the ‘The Maze Runner’ series and starred in ‘American Assassin’ where he worked through extensive fight and chase sequences. On television he broke out with ‘Teen Wolf’ and returned for guest appearances that show reliability with franchise commitments.

His filmography includes ‘Love and Monsters’ and ‘Not Okay’ along with voice roles and shorts that add range outside action leads. He has headlined studio releases and worked in independent projects which points to flexibility with both scale and schedule.

Taron Egerton

Taron Egerton fronted the ‘Kingsman’ films and earned widespread recognition for ‘Rocketman’. He followed with the limited series ‘Black Bird’ where he played the central role across a full season of dramatic material.

Egerton trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and has performed stage work plus animation voice roles such as in ‘Sing’. He has carried major box office titles and prestige television which demonstrates comfort with global press tours and tight production timelines.

Glen Powell

Glen Powell co starred in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ where the cast trained for aerial sequences filmed in real aircraft. He also led ‘Devotion’ and the action comedy ‘Hit Man’ which he co wrote.

His resume includes romantic leads in ‘Anyone But You’ and ensemble appearances in ‘Everybody Wants Some’. He has worked repeatedly with major directors and has experience balancing physical filming with character driven storytelling.

Logan Lerman

Logan Lerman headlined ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ and earned strong notices for ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’. He has continued with mature work in projects like ‘Hunters’ and an action turn in ‘Bullet Train’.

Lerman started as a child actor and built a steady career through studio and indie films including ‘Fury’ and ‘Noah’. He has worked across period pieces and contemporary settings which shows range with tone and style.

Joe Keery

Joe Keery is widely known for Steve Harrington in ‘Stranger Things’ where he shifted from comedic side character to action capable lead. His film work includes ‘Free Guy’ and ‘Spree’ which place him in effects heavy and satirical environments.

Keery also records and performs music under the name Djo which adds live performance experience and a comfort with large audiences. His recent credits include ‘Fargo’ which expands his dramatic repertoire beyond genre projects.

Tye Sheridan

Tye Sheridan starred as Wade Watts in ‘Ready Player One’ and played Scott Summers in the ‘X-Men’ series from the Fox era. He has long experience with motion capture and virtual production toolsets.

Sheridan co founded Wonder Dynamics which develops AI driven VFX tools for filmmakers. His early career included roles in ‘Mud’ and ‘Joe’ which built a base in character drama before his shift into large scale science fiction.

Jack Quaid

Jack Quaid plays Hughie Campbell in ‘The Boys’ where he navigates grounded drama inside a superhero world. He also appears in ‘Oppenheimer’ as Richard Feynman and leads the animated series ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’ as the voice of Brad Boimler.

Quaid has crossed film television and voice work consistently and has credits in ‘Scream’ and ‘Plus One’. He brings experience with long season arcs and franchise press while maintaining a light comic touch.

Austin Butler

Austin Butler earned a Golden Globe for ‘Elvis’ and followed with a key role in ‘Dune Part Two’. On television he starred in ‘Masters of the Air’ which required intensive physical preparation and period accuracy.

His earlier career covered series work and supporting roles before his breakout which means he understands multi year production schedules. Film credits also include ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ which brought him into large ensemble filmmaking.

Harris Dickinson

Harris Dickinson appeared in ‘The King’s Man’ and drew critical praise for ‘Beach Rats’. He co led ‘Triangle of Sadness’ which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes.

Dickinson was nominated for the BAFTA Rising Star Award and has balanced indie dramas with studio action. His credits span British and international productions which supports travel heavy shoots and global promotion.

Alexander Ludwig

Alexander Ludwig is known for Bjorn Ironside in ‘Vikings’ where he worked across extensive stunt and combat sequences. He also starred in the wrestling drama ‘Heels’ which required athletic training.

Ludwig appeared in ‘The Hunger Games’ and ‘Bad Boys for Life’ which provided exposure to major studio sets and long action schedules. He records country music as well which adds stage experience and audience engagement.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith co led ‘Pokémon Detective Pikachu’ and appeared in ‘Jurassic World’ entries with large action set pieces. He joined the ensemble of ‘Dungeons and Dragons Honor Among Thieves’ in a principal role.

Smith trained at the Orange County School of the Arts and has stage experience along with film and television. His work covers family adventure and character comedy which fits the balance common in Marvel stories.

Tanner Buchanan

Tanner Buchanan stars in ‘Cobra Kai’ where he trains and performs screen fighting as a core part of the role. His career also includes ‘He’s All That’ and the political thriller series ‘Designated Survivor’.

Buchanan began acting as a child and moved through recurring parts on network shows before leading roles. He has dance and martial arts training for screen which supports action heavy productions.

Mason Gooding

Mason Gooding is part of the revived ‘Scream’ franchise with significant action and chase sequences. He also appears in ‘Booksmart’ which shows quick timing in ensemble comedy.

Gooding studied at New York University and moved into film and television shortly after. His credits include ‘Love Victor’ and guest roles across streaming series which reflect a steady and varied workload.

Walker Scobell

Walker Scobell broke out in ‘The Adam Project’ opposite Ryan Reynolds with a performance that included stunt wire work and effects driven scenes. He leads the series ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ as the title character.

Scobell trained with an on set stunt team on multiple projects and has experience with franchise publicity at a young age. He continues to balance school and professional commitments which is common for teen leads on major series.

Share your ideal pick for Nova in the comments so we can see which name you think should take flight first.