In a major development for Marvel’s Nova series, veteran television showrunner Ed Bernero has been tapped as the new writer and showrunner for the long-anticipated Disney+ project. The series, which focuses on the intergalactic superhero Richard Rider, marks Bernero’s latest foray into storytelling after a distinguished television career.
According to Deadline who broke the story, Bernero replaces Moon Knight writer Sabir Pirzada, who originally helmed the project when it was first put into development two and a half years ago. At that time, the direction of Nova—whether as a feature film or limited series—remained undecided.
The series is firmly positioned as part of Marvel’s Disney+ offerings, continuing the studio’s exploration of cosmic adventures within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The Nova Story
Richard Rider, better known as Nova, made his comic book debut in 1976’s The Man Called Nova #1. A member of the Nova Corps, an intergalactic police force, Rider gained superhuman powers including flight, enhanced strength, and extraordinary resilience. While Nova’s path in the MCU has yet to cross with major characters like the Avengers, his connections to the Skrulls—featured prominently in Captain Marvel and Secret Invasion—signal exciting possibilities for interwoven storytelling.
Bernero brings a wealth of experience to the table, having served as showrunner for CBS’ long-running procedural Criminal Minds, as well as its spinoff Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior. A former Chicago police officer, Bernero first broke into the entertainment industry as a freelance writer for Brooklyn South. He went on to co-create Third Watch, where he blended his real-world experiences with compelling narratives, and also created the international procedural Crossing Lines.
Before his Hollywood success, Bernero co-founded the 30-year-old Chicago Screenwriters Network in 1994 with Christiana Miller. The organization, aimed at supporting screenwriters in Chicago, has since grown into a vital resource for writers and filmmakers. CSN continues to offer workshops, table reads, and networking opportunities, fostering collaboration among the Midwest’s creative community.
The Nova series represents a bold step forward for Marvel’s cosmic storytelling. Described as “an amazing ensemble piece,” the series will explore the high-stakes world of the Nova Corps with influences reminiscent of Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica.
Marvel Studios executive Brad Winderbaum emphasized the importance of taking their time to develop the project. “At Marvel, you know, everything has a spotlight on it,” Winderbaum shared. “We love Nova and want to get it right.”
The decision to bring in Bernero signals Marvel’s commitment to pairing seasoned storytellers with beloved characters, ensuring the series balances its high-concept cosmic adventures with grounded, character-driven narratives.
Bernero’s transition from procedurals to superhero storytelling is an exciting development, both for fans of the genre and for Nova’s future. Under his leadership, the series aims to blend action-packed spectacle with the rich emotional depth that has defined Marvel’s most successful projects.
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