Avengers: Infinity War writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely shed some more light on why Nova/Richard Rider was ultimately cut from the film. Infinity War was the penultimate film in Marvel’s Infinity Saga, releasing a year before Avengers: Endgame. Though many fans talk about the final film more often, Avengers: Infinity War has its fair share of shocking moments, including Thanos’ destruction on the Asgardian spaceship and the murder of his adopted daughter, Gamora. Thanos’ snap in the final moments of the film is also one of the most surprising moments in movie history, not just within the MCU. All told, Avengers: Infinity War sets up Endgame, but is also a very affecting film on its own.

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Despite the length of all four Avengers movies, ideas inevitably end up on the cutting room floor. Fans understandably enjoy hearing about those moments. For Avengers: Infinity War, Markus and McFeely have been asked in the past about the character of Nova, who many expected would appear in Infinity War. After the release of Endgame, the writers revealed they considered having Nova do what Hulk ultimately does in the film: warn the Avengers of Thanos’ arrival on Earth. This would have happened after the destruction of Xandar, with Richard Rider being the sole survivor. However, that battle ultimately occurred off screen.

In a watch party for Avengers: Infinity War hosted by ComicBook, Markus and McFeely again discussed Nova’s original involvement in the film. This time, Markus spoke specifically about reaching “a critical mass of new characters” and also explained the Xandar scene was cut before making the decision about Nova acting as messenger. Check out Markus’ full response below:

The decision to cut Nova from the film was surprising, considering the character was often brought up in discussions about the MCU’s future plans. Just before the release of Avengers: Infinity War, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige said the character has “immediate potential.” Prior to that, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 director James Gunn called Nova someone he was considering to help set up the next decade or two of the MCU. All told, Nova has been a priority for Marvel creatives in the past, even if he didn’t end up appearing in Avengers: Infinity War.

Markus’ explanation about reaching “a critical mass” with new characters in particular makes sense. Both Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame feature dozens upon dozens of characters old and new, all of whom had stories to wrap up in some way. Even characters continuing on in the MCU needed closure in the final two Avengers movies, as they were saying goodbye to original Avengers Iron Man, Black Widow, and Captain America. Hopefully, Nova’s cut appearance in Avengers: Infinity War eventually leads to a more substantial role in the MCU.

Source: ComicBook/Christopher Markus

Key Release Dates
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  • Black Widow (2021)Release date: Jul 09, 2021
  • Eternals (2021)Release date: Nov 05, 2021
  • Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)Release date: Sep 03, 2021
  • Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)Release date: Jul 08, 2022
  • Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)Release date: May 06, 2022
  • Black Panther: Wakanda Forever/Black Panther 2 (2022)Release date: Nov 11, 2022
  • The Marvels/Captain Marvel 2 (2023)Release date: Feb 17, 2023
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About The Author


Rebecca VanAcker
(887 Articles Published)

Rebecca VanAcker is a trainer and news editor at Screen Rant. In the past, she’s written TV recaps for Screen Picks and reviews for Yahoo. She enjoys covering all things superhero, especially the MCU and Arrowverse.

A graduate of Michigan State University, Rebecca got her teaching certificate before falling in love with writing and the entertainment industry. She has a B.A. in English and can often be found ignoring everyone in favor of a good book. Her other hobbies include baking, anything Disney, and exploring with her dog, Beckett.

You can follow Rebecca on Twitter @BecksVanAcker, or contact her directly at rvanacker23(at)gmail(dot)com.

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