James Gunn Does Not Want Nova in 'Guardians of the Galaxy 2'

Fans may remember that the character of Nova, aka Richard Rider, was an oft-discussed topic in the lead up to Guardians of the Galaxy earlier this year. Some reports said Nathan Fillion was set to play the character, but then Nova never appeared in the movie. And director James Gunn apparently plans to keep it that way for the sequel, Guardians of the Galaxy 2.

Gunn went on his Facebook page and posted a message explaining why Nova likely won't appear in the sequel. "I don't want Nova right now because I think [Peter] Quill being the only earthling is important," he wrote. "That serves the entire moviegoing audience and not just the handful of Nova fans. Sorry if that upsets you."

Gunn apparently posted the message in response to a Facebook user who questioned the director's previous comments about the character. But Gunn did not completely close the door on Nova, even for Guardians of the Galaxy 2. "I have nothing against Nova in future movies, but it doesn't serve the movie right this moment," he wrote.

For those who don't know, in the comics, Richard Rider was a teenager in New York chose by Rhomann Dey to receive his power after Xandar was destroyed. The character appeared in stories such as Infinity Gauntlet, Infinity War and Thanos Imperative.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, an Infinity Stone currently rests on Xandar, though Thanos is on a quest to unite all six stones, so Xandar could be in danger. Could this open the door for Nova to appear in either of The Avengers: Infinity War movies?

What do you make of all this? Let us know in the comments section.