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It’s been over six years since Kevin Feige called Nova a character with “immediate potential” to make his way into the MCU and yet, somehow, the Human Rocket remains grounded. Hope that the character might finally be ready to take off briefly flickered in 2022 when Moon Knight writer Sabir Pirzada agreed to begin development on a Nova project; however, following Bob Iger‘s return to Disney–which came with a mandate to slow things down on the Marvel Studios production line–development on Nova was paused as Marvel’s TV division underwent some restructuring. And then, just as the project seemed destined for the scrap heap, news came that the studio was looking to begin production on it–as a Disney Plus streaming series–in 2025.
Though there’s been no official word from Marvel Studios that they intend to begin work on the project, Marvel Television head man Brad Winderbaum has been willing to at least confirm that they are working on a Nova series. Now, in a new interview with Phase Zero, Winderbaum revealed which of the two characters who have gone by the name of Nova in the pages of Marvel Comics will lead the show.
After once again confirming to Phase Zero’s Brandon Davis that Nova remains in development, Winderbaum went on to tease what fans can expect from the streaming series. While addressing how Marvel Television might go about bringing a character with such a large collection of Cosmic stories in his background to Disney Plus, Winderbaum revealed that Nova is being developed as “an amazing ensemble piece” before explaining that fans of the comics will know “how heated that Richard Rider kind of world can get.“
And it doesn’t really get any clearer than that, folks…
While the inclusion of Rider as the series’ presumed lead does not preclude the inclusion of Sam Alexander, it would be in the best interest of the studio’s pursuit of longform storytelling to be patient. The studio has previously shown no compunction in choosing to skip over OG comic book heroes in order to put legacy characters front and center in different projects. Winderbaum’s comments seem to indicate that in the case of Nova, the studio will put its greatest Cosmic hero in the spotlight first while likely still leaving room for an understudy to fill the helmet down the road.
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Significant concern emerges for Bengals, Joe Burrow
The Cincinnati Bengals defense has stepped up its game in training camp this summer, and it's giving the coaching staff some pause about Joe Burrow's protection. The Bengals were tied with the New York Giants, giving up the 11th most sacks in the league last year (48). Given Burrow's importance to the team and long injury history dating back to his time at LSU, Cincinnati needs to see improvement from the offensive line. Per Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, the Bengals' depth on the offensive line is a concern at training camp. During one practice, backups Cody Ford and Devin Cochran were seen getting first-team reps while starting right tackle Amarius Mims was sidelined, dealing with a hand injury. But it's not just the backups that are a worry. Cincinnati is expected to give third-round rookie Dylan Fairchild the starting job at left guard. "On top of concern regarding rookie third-round pick Dylan Fairchild, currently the leader in the clubhouse to start at left guard, the cast of question marks lacking experience, floating behind the starting tackles, is startling," Dehner wrote. "If the Bengals had to play Cleveland this Sunday without Mims, they couldn’t tell you who would hold down the starting spot. "Meanwhile, the Bengals’ defensive line consistently produced disruptive reps, and they are a group lacking historically potent pass rushers in their own right...The Bengals just feel notably weak and inexperienced. When the rest of the offense is so stacked with talent, and the history of the performance in front of Burrow being what it is, that’s hard to look past right now." The Bengals decided to spend their money on pass catchers for Burrow. Given the results of the offense last season, it's easy to understand why Cincinnati wants Burrow to deliver the ball to exceptional athletes. The risk is that Burrow won't hold up behind an offensive line that is lacking investment. If injuries pile up during the regular season, it's a concern that will only increase.
Rumor: Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II Expected To Sign With Warriors Once Jonathan Kuminga Signs Deal
Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II are expected to sign with the Golden State Warriors once Jonathan Kuminga signs his deal, according to NBA insider Marc Stein of The Stein Line. Kuminga is a restricted free agent. Most people believe the swingman will sign his qualifying offer worth $7.9 million and then enter unrestricted free agency next offseason. “Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II have all long been expected to sign with the Warriors this summer but remain on hold when it comes to making those deals official while the Jonathan Kuminga situation plays out,” Stein wrote. Payton II and Melton played for the Warriors last season, while Horford played for the Boston Celtics. Golden State lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the 2025 playoffs in five games. The Warriors want to re-sign Kuminga. The franchise recently offered the forward a two-year, $45 million contract. Kuminga, though, declined the offer because the contract had a team option in Year 2 and there was no built-in no-trade clause. Kuminga wants to leave the Warriors. He doesn’t have a good relationship with head coach Steve Kerr. Kuminga averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists for the Warriors last season in 47 games. He shot 45.4% from the floor, 30.5% from beyond the arc and 66.8% from the free-throw line. The 22-year-old Kuminga was the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He enters next season with career averages of 12.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists with Golden State. The Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings are interested in acquiring Kuminga in a sign-and-trade deal, but the Warriors don’t like the offers. The Kings offered a three-year, $63 million deal to Kuminga, according to NBA insider Sam Amick of The Athletic. In the sign-and-trade proposal, the Warriors would get Malik Monk and a 2030 first-round pick. More NBA News Rumors
Atlanta Falcons UDFA Cobee Bryant Announcing His Presence at Training Camp
The Atlanta Falcons signed former Kansas Jayhawks cornerback Cobee Bryant as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL draft. Bryant had 128 tackles, 22 passes defended, and 13 interceptions during his four-year collegiate career. It was a bit of a surprise that Bryant went undrafted, and head coach Raheem Morris said last spring that the team made him a priority. "We were fortunate enough to be able to bring him here on a 30 visit and to get a chance to meet with him and get around him and really find some real interest and be able to grow,” Morris said of the Falcons’ pre-draft interest in Bryant. “Then, when it came down to that – let's call it what it is, the recruiting process – I had a real clear vision and was able to really speak to him in a real clear fashion because I had watched the tape. I'd been around him. I knew what he can do. "I knew what he was capable of. Whoever we were competing with basically didn't have a chance.” The rookie has been dealing with injury and had yet to play during 11-on-11s in camp; that is, until Monday. Bryant quickly showed why the Falcons felt good about the addition at cornerback despite not taking one in the draft. Bryant worked with the second-team defense, and he made the most of his snaps. Bryant intercepted a Kirk Cousins pass, a ball that was intended deep down the left sideline for newly signed wide receiver DJ Chark. Fellow members of Atlanta’s 2025 rookie class already see Bryant’s intensity and talent. “He’s a ball of energy,” Jalon Walker said. “I appreciate Cobee so much, the way, the energy that he brings to the locker room, the energy he brings outside, you know, that’s what we need in the defense. And of course, him getting that pick today it brings a smile to everybody.” While the play probably did not get a smile out of Kirk Cousins, Bryant certainly brought the energy to practice. Not only did he register his interception, but he also broke up a pass earlier in the day from Michael Penix Jr to Casey Washington. Bryant also matched up against Drake London and Kyle Pitts, getting the change to show his mettle against the Falcons’ twin towers. “I can just see his love for the game,” Penix replied when asked what he’s seen out of Bryant in camp so far. “He love to play football. He love to be out here. You know, he got, he got a good connection with a lot of guys in the locker room, but he's been a good man. He’s working, trying to get back on the field. And now that he’s back there, back on the field, he made a couple plays, so we see what we want to see out of him.” Energy has been the theme of Atlanta’s training camp in 2025. Penix spoke about how the intensity and energy were there six days ago. Brandon Dorlus said something similar four days ago. Well, the undrafted free agent from Kansas has certainly been bringing the energy to the locker room, and as he gets healthy, he’s showing it on the field.
Commanders still seeking new contract with disgruntled star despite trade request
Terry McLaurin has been the Washington Commanders' top wide receiver since he burst onto the scene as a third-round pick in 2019. With five 1,000-yard campaigns in the last five years, "Scary Terry" has proved his worth as a premier pass-catcher. McLaurin played an integral role in leading Washington's offense back to prominence, notching a second-team All-Pro nod in 2024. So while the Commanders have no doubts about McLaurin's talent, the fact that the former Ohio State Buckeye is pushing 30 with just one year remaining on his contract has given the franchise a reason to pause extension talks. McLaurin is set to make a base salary of $15 million in the final year of his current deal, but is believed to be seeking an extension worth north of $30 million annually. The two sides failed to come to an agreement earlier in the offseason, though, prompting the talented receiver to request a trade. At that point, it seemed as if McLaurin would be dealt to a new team. But the Commanders quickly realized they couldn't allow their longest-tenured skill player to leave for pennies on the dollar. Despite McLaurin's public trade request, Washington is still looking to mend the situation, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano. "The Commanders do not intend to trade him, according to the people I've spoken to there, and they say they continue to work toward a contract extension," the veteran sports journalist reported. After winning the first playoff matchup of his career against the Buccaneers in the wild card before upsetting the Detroit Lions in the divisional round last season, McLaurin has less of a reason than ever before to leave Washington. He battled through several of the franchise's toughest seasons and now has the opportunity to catch passes from one of the NFL's most intriguing young arms in Jayden Daniels for years to come if he wants. It's understandable why McLaurin desires a massive payday, especially after making less than $1 million annually throughout his base rookie contract. After years of sustained excellence, though, he won't have to worry about a salary increase. He'll easily garner $30 million a year, give or take a couple of million dollars. McLaurin may not receive a deal that places him alongside the likes of Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, but neither he nor the Commanders should spend much time squabbling over a few million. With the team shaping up to be a bona fide playoff contender for the foreseeable future, Washington remains the best home for McLaurin.
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