Joe Keery in the MCU? Nova Speculation Heats Up
Following Stranger Things Season 5, whispers have grown that Joe Keery could land a Marvel Studios gig. An update suggests he won’t be Spider-Man’s Harry Osborn in Brand New Day, but fans are buzzing over a different, potentially perfect fit for his persona.
Keery is best known for his iconic role as Steve Harrington, a character whose protective instincts toward the kids in Hawkins became a fan favorite as he battled monsters with a nail-studded bat. But his creative reach extends beyond acting; he also produces music under the name Djo. Earlier this month, Hollywood insider Daniel Richtman floated the possibility that Keery is “on Marvel’s radar.”
While many fans initially speculated about Osborn, Richtman’s latest update hints that Keery is being eyed for a different MCU role. The buzz rotating through fan channels has naturally zeroed in on Richard Rider, better known as Nova. The chatter suggests Marvel Studios is in talks with Keery for a Nova-related part, though nothing has been officially confirmed.
Nova’s backstory is a natural fit for fans hoping to see Keery roam the cosmos. Richard Rider started as a regular Earth teen who inherits the powers of the Nova Corps after a cataclysmic event. With access to the Nova Force, Rider becomes an exceptionally capable hero—gaining superhuman strength, flight, and energy-based abilities that elevate him to one of Marvel’s most formidable spacefaring figures. Nova has anchored several team and solo titles in the comics, and he’s even appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy material, though a live-action version hadn’t materialized yet in the MCU.
James Gunn has addressed this omission in the past, explaining why Richard Rider didn’t make it into the Guardians lineup. He noted that Rider’s presence, while compelling, felt too expansive to fit alongside the current cast of aliens and humans in a single space. As the MCU continues to expand toward new Avengers stories like Doomsday and Secret Wars, Nova remains a conspicuous gap that fans would love to see filled—and Keery’s everyman charm and evolving arc could suit the role well.
Reaction among fans has been lively. Some replied to Richtman’s post, saying they could easily see Keery as Nova or praising Rider as a perfect match for him. Others shared fan art imagining Keery in the Nova costume, while others reiterated that the door is open for Nova to appear in the MCU in the near future. If the chatter is any indicator, a Nova casting would certainly spark a wave of excitement and debate.
For now, the official word remains dormant, but the rumor mill continues to churn as Marvel’s cinematic universe expands. If you’re curious about what’s ahead, stay tuned for the next wave of MCU announcements—whether Nova lands in Keery’s orbit or another hero steps into the spotlight.
If you’re following along, you can check out upcoming MCU movies and shows, how to watch the Marvel movies in order, and what we know about Daredevil Season 2.