John C. Reilly wants to play Rhomann Dey again, but he has not confirmed that Marvel has contacted him or cast him in the Nova movie. In an interview published October 2, 2026, Reilly said he hoped his character’s story would “come back around” and that he had not heard from Marvel since they spoke with him while making the sequel to Guardians of the Galaxy.
Is John C. Reilly returning as Rhomann Dey?
Not confirmed. Reilly played Nova Corps officer Rhomann Dey in Guardians of the Galaxy and has now publicly expressed interest in reprising the role. But his comments are a statement of hope, not a casting announcement: he said he had not heard from Marvel in a while.
Speaking to ComicBook.com on October 2, 2026 while promoting A Prayer for the Dying, Reilly said, “I sure hope so,” when asked whether audiences might see more of Dey. He recalled that Marvel had spoken with him while making the sequel, but said there had not been room for him in that story. Reilly added that he knew the Nova story and had wondered when he would get his movie, while stressing that he was glad to have been part of the first film.
What is the status of Marvel’s Nova movie?
The latest project-format report in the available coverage is TheWrap’s July 13, 2026 report that Marvel Studios had a Nova feature film in early development, with Michael Waldron developing it. The report also said Sabir Pirzada had written an earlier draft. This is trade reporting about a project in development, not confirmation of production, a release date, a final script, or a cast.
#1 Best Overall
- Awesome Nova figure
- Comes with right arm part to build a Groot figure
- Other figures - sold separately - come with other Groot parts
- Collect the entire Groot series - other figures sold separately
- Figure comes with right arm part
Nova was previously discussed as a show. In March 2024, Marvel Studios executive Brad Winderbaum described the project as being in “very early development” and said, “We love Nova.” That was the status and format discussed at the time; it does not supersede the later feature-film report. A July 2026 ComicBook.com account said the earlier series had been shelved, citing Deadline’s report of the movie’s development.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why Rhomann Dey could matter to Nova’s story
The Nova Corps’ fate is an unresolved piece of MCU history. The Corps was introduced in Guardians of the Galaxy, but was absent from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. By Avengers: Infinity War, Thanos had the Power Stone, which had been associated with the Corps; the Corps and Xandar are understood to have been devastated when he took it.
Rank #2
- Comic-inspired design and premium articulation
- Includes Marvel’s Titus Build-a-Figure piece
- Collect other Marvel Legends Series figures (each sold separately)
- Action figure size: 6 inches
- Includes figure, 2 accessories, and Build-a-Figure part
TheWrap has likewise described the Corps as presumably largely destroyed during Thanos’s attack on Xandar. That history gives a Nova story a continuity question to address, but there is no confirmed report that the film will begin with those events or explain them in a particular way. A survivor, flashback, or other resolution remains speculation, not established plot.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Detailed Nova figure
- Figure is ready for hand-to-hand combat
- Collect the whole series (each sold separately)
- Includes figure
Rank #3
- RETRO-INSPIRED PACKAGING: Fans, collectors, and kids alike can enjoy this 3.75-inch-scale classic Retro 375 Collection Marvel’s Nova figure, inspired by the character from the Marvel comics
- MARVEL COMICS-INSPIRED DESIGN: This Retro 375 Collection figure has premium design, detail, and articulation for posing and display in a Marvel collection
- PREMIUM ARTICULATION: This quality 3.75-inch Legends Series Retro 375 Collection Marvel’s Nova figure features multiple points of articulation for posability
- MARVEL UNIVERSE IN 3.75-INCH SCALE: Look for other Hasbro Marvel Legends Series Retro 375 Collection figures (each sold separately) with Marvel comic-inspired characters, including Black Panther, Marvel’s Thing, and Symbiote Spider-Man (Additional figures each sold separately. Subject to availability.)
What is confirmed—and what remains open
- Confirmed: Reilly played Rhomann Dey in Guardians of the Galaxy and says he hopes to return.
- Not confirmed: Reilly’s involvement, whether Marvel has approached him for the feature, or whether Dey will appear.
- Reported project status: TheWrap reported a Nova feature in early development in July 2026, with Michael Waldron developing it and an earlier draft by Sabir Pirzada.
- Still unknown: The film’s story, timeline, production start, release date, and how it might handle the Nova Corps’ fate.
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