Marvel Confirms Nova Movie After SDCC 2026 Panel, While Ghost Rider and Black Panther 3 Announced
Earlier in July, Deadline reported that the Nova movie is moving forward with writer Michael Waldron attached. Waldron, who created the Hulu series Chad Powers and wrote Loki and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, is working on a script for the film. The studio had previously explored a Nova series for Disney + but shelved the idea in 2025. The film is described as being in very early developmental stages, which explains why it was omitted from the SDCC lineup.
Nova, first appearing in the 1976 comic Nova, is an intergalactic hero who draws his powers from the Nova Force. The character is a member of the Nova Corps, a team that made its cinematic debut in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). While Nova has not yet appeared in a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film, the character’s inclusion in the Corps connects him to the MCU’s broader space‑faring narrative.
The SDCC panel was otherwise packed with new announcements. Feige revealed that Shawn Levy will direct a Ghost Rider movie starring Ryan Gosling, slated for a 2028 theatrical release. Co‑founder Ryan Coogler announced that David Jonsson will play the lead in the third Black Panther film. The cast of Avengers: Doomsday also appeared on stage and showed footage from the upcoming crossover.
Marvel’s Phase Six slate is already dense. Spider‑Man: Brand New Day will open in theaters this week. VisionQuest is scheduled for Disney + in October, followed by Avengers: Doomsday in December. The next year will see Avengers: Secret Wars. With Ghost Rider and Black Panther 3 officially announced, those projects are expected to receive priority in the studio’s production pipeline.
At this stage, the Nova film remains in early development, and no release date or cast has been announced. The project’s status is confirmed by Feige’s statement and Deadline’s report, but further details are pending. Fans can expect additional updates as the film moves through pre‑production.
In summary, Marvel has confirmed that the Nova movie is still in the works, with Michael Waldron scripting the early draft. The project was not highlighted at the SDCC 2026 panel, likely due to its nascent stage. Meanwhile, the studio unveiled Ghost Rider and the next Black Panther film, and the Phase Six schedule continues to expand with several high‑profile releases.