The Undying Legacy of Thanos Continues to Haunt the MCU

Summary

The upcoming Nova TV series in the MCU is linked to Thanos due to the character's origin story and the destruction of Xandar by the Mad Titan.

The Multiverse Saga places a strong emphasis on the multiverse concept and introduces fresh antagonists such as Kang. However, it proves challenging to entirely detach from Thanos in this epic. Considering Nova's connection to Thanos, it is advisable to release the series in a timelier manner. This approach would prevent any distraction from the ongoing narrative and the gradual shift away from Thanos.

Despite the Marvel Cinematic Universe's shift towards the Multiverse Saga, it remains intertwined with Thanos, especially in an upcoming TV series. The first three phases of the MCU, collectively known as the Infinity Saga, primarily focused on introducing the main heroes and chronicling Thanos' mission to obtain the Infinity Stones and wield the Infinity Gauntlet. While various villains emerged throughout the Infinity Saga, Thanos ultimately stood as the main adversary, culminating in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, where he both acquired and was ultimately defeated with the help of the active MCU heroes at the time.

Although Thanos has now been eliminated, the MCU presses forward by delving into the multiverse and the numerous threats it entails. The MCU has made efforts to distance itself from Thanos by introducing Kang and his alternate versions as prominent villains. However, the Multiverse Saga still possesses strong connections to the Mad Titan. For instance, the mid-credits scene in Eternals unveiled Eros (portrayed by Harry Styles), Thanos' brother. Additionally, an upcoming TV series revolving around the character Nova is bound to contain ties to the Mad Titan due to the character's history in the comic books.

Nova's Story (& The MCU's Future) Is Still Tied To Thanos

The MCU has an exciting lineup of upcoming TV shows that will further expand its roster of superheroes. Among these projects is a currently untitled series centered around the character Nova. Disney confirmed the development of the Nova TV series in March 2022, but it seems they are taking their time with this particular project.

For years, fans have speculated that Richard Rider, also known as Nova, would become a part of the MCU. Given his origin story, which is closely connected to one of Thanos' most devastating actions in the Infinity Saga, it made a lot of sense.

In the comics, when the last surviving member of Xandar's Nova Corps, Rhomann Dey, was on his deathbed, he chose Richard Rider, a high school student from New York, as his successor. Rider was granted the uniform and powers of a Nova Centurion, although he was not given complete instructions on how to use them. Taking on the mantle of Nova, Rider stepped into his new role.

The arrival of Nova in the MCU was foreshadowed in Guardians of the Galaxy, where Rhomann Dey, portrayed by John C. Reilly, played a part in the story. Now, Nova's story is intertwined with Thanos, as the Mad Titan destroyed Xandar before the events of Infinity War. This decimation of Xandar holds great significance for Nova's narrative in the MCU, indicating that the universe still remains intricately tied to Thanos.

Why Nova's Thanos Ties Mean It Needs To Release Sooner Rather Than Later

Nova's introduction into the MCU does not yet have a confirmed release date. However, due to the character's connection to Thanos, it is essential that it is released as soon as possible. Despite Thanos playing a significant role in Nova's backstory, the MCU must distance itself from him as he no longer fits within this universe or the Multiverse Saga. If Nova is released later into the Multiverse Saga, revisiting Thanos could prove to be overly distracting. The destruction of Xandar is a pivotal event that Nova cannot overlook, especially since it was not depicted in Infinity War. Consequently, the connection to Thanos cannot be disregarded or altered.