The topic “Dafne Keen Teases X-23’s Future After Deadpool and Wolverine” has two versions, a written one, and a video version below the written one.
Dafne Keen made her Marvel Studios debut in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” reprising her role as X-23. This appearance has opened the door for more potential future roles.
Keen first introduced her character, Laura, also known as X-23, in “Logan.” In this film, she is revealed to be the biological daughter of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, inheriting his regenerative abilities and adamantium claws.
In “Deadpool & Wolverine,” X-23 returned as part of an unexpected cast, joining the resistance against Cassandra Nova. Fortunately, the young mutant survived the film and escaped the Void, finding herself safely in Deadpool’s universe.
Dafne Keen Reveals Interest in MCU Return
In an interview with Moviefone, Dafne Keen, who portrayed X-23, expressed her desire to “play Laura for the rest of [her] life.” She emphasized her love for Marvel and her character in the red superhero universe:
“I‘ve said this a trillion times, I would play Laura for the rest of my life, and I would be content. She’s the most incredible character to play, and I have so much fun playing her, and I have so much love for her [and] Marvel.”
She even hinted at “another tiny little silly cameo in something,” similar to her minor role in Deadpool & Wolverine, which could be what her next appearance as Laura looks like:
“So I really hope I get a call, even if it is to do like another tiny little silly cameo in something, I’d be really happy. And chance I get to be her again and get the claws back on.”
In discussing the experience of returning for Deadpool and Wolverine, Keen expressed that the entire cast was “just so excited to be there” and would have been willing to work “20 hours overtime” if asked, due to their immense enthusiasm:
“We were all just so excited to be there and we all love these characters so much. We all felt so lucky to be there which I think is such a rare thing. A lot of people are ready to go home and wrap up the day. If they’d asked us to do 20 hours overtime we would have all been like ‘Yeah, I’m here, I’m so excited to do this.‘ It was really cool, we were all kind of nerding out with everyone with their weapons, I had the claws back, and I was so excited about the glasses.”
In an interview with TooFab, Keen was asked which Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) heroes and villains she would like to team up with if X-23 returns in a future project. The actress was open to various possibilities, stating that she would be “happy to team up with anyone.” However, she expressed a particular interest in the new era of mutants that is beginning.
“I would honestly be happy to team up with anyone. I think the whole new mutants that they’re creating is really cool, and that’d be a really fun thing to be part of.”
Keen expressed interest in a major team-up, possibly hinting at being part of Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars. She explained why Laura excels in teamwork.
“I think a big team-up would be cool. I think Laura is a character I think works really well in teams just because she’s a fun character in a way that’s like that Wolverine grumpy energy that always is kind of comedic in itself. And there’s a bunch of really cool new Marvel characters that I’m really excited to see. Yeah, I keep saying this but I’m excited.”
How X-23 Could Fit Into the MCU's Future Plans
X-23 was the only member of the resistance present during the emotional climax of “Deadpool & Wolverine.” She joined the leading heroes and Deadpool’s usual group of friends on Earth-10005 for a wholesome meal.
Marvel Studios seems determined to keep Hugh Jackman as the MCU’s Wolverine rather than recasting the character. Therefore, whenever Logan returns to the MCU in future projects, it’s possible that X-23 will be by his side, continuing their father-daughter relationship.
However, it’s important to note that Hugh Jackman is 56 years old and won’t be playing Wolverine forever. Eventually, the MCU will need to find a replacement. If Marvel Studios wants to avoid recasting Logan, they could consider Dafne Keen’s character, X-23, as a potential successor.
In the aftermath of the 2015 “Secret Wars” event in Marvel Comics, Laura Kinney, also known as X-23, stepped into the role of Wolverine in the “All-New Wolverine” series following her father’s death. Marvel Studios might look to adapt this storyline, allowing Laura to take on the Wolverine mantle as they move forward with the next saga and the MCU’s X-Men reboot.
Alternatively, X-23 could potentially join the Young Avengers, as 19-year-old Dafne Keen is one of the youngest actors in the MCU today.
So far, there has been no announcement regarding when the Young Avengers will appear on screen, but characters like Ms. Marvel, Kate Bishop, and Cassie Lang have all been hinted at as possible members. It’s easy to envision Keen’s X-23 fitting well within that group.
Regardless of when it happens, many MCU fans have felt confident since the release of “Deadpool & Wolverine” that X-23 will return to action. It’s exciting to know that Keen shares this enthusiasm and is open to exploring a range of heroic possibilities.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” is currently streaming on Disney+.
