Dafne Keen is ready to sharpen her claws again, and Marvel fans are already begging for more.
The Deadpool & Wolverine breakout recently spoke to ScreenRant at San Diego Comic-Con, where she opened up about the unexpected resurgence of her fan-favorite character, X-23, and her hopes for slicing deeper into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
“Honestly, anything that brings me back to playing her, I would take,” Keen gushed. “I think she’s some of the most fun I’ve ever had on camera. And, honestly, it’s so special to me that the people love her as much as I did.”
For longtime Marvel fans, the return of Keen’s feral, foot-claw-wielding mutant was nothing short of legendary. Originally introduced in 2017’s Logan, a film widely hailed as one of the genre’s greatest, Keen stunned audiences at just 12 years old as the fierce, silent clone of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. That performance earned her critical acclaim, instant stardom, and a cult following that’s never let go.
From Logan to Deadpool: The Resurrection of X-23
Keen’s return in 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine marked a monumental moment not only for her career but for the ever-expanding multiverse of Marvel. The film officially dragged Deadpool, and with him, the defiant energy of the Fox X-Men films, into the mainstream MCU. Fans were stunned to see familiar faces reimagined through the chaotic lens of Wade Wilson and company, including Keen’s long-awaited reprisal as Laura, also known as X-23.
“I think I did it when I was so young, I didn’t realize how much of an impact it had,” Keen admitted. “Then, after last year, I’ve really kind of experienced how much impact she had in a way.”
While Deadpool & Wolverine was packed with cameos, meta jokes, and mutant mayhem, X-23’s presence was a standout moment for many. The film reminded audiences just how captivating and lethal Keen’s Laura remains, even years after her Logan debut.
“I think that’s really special and it’s always really exciting to me,” Keen said. “Even when people are speculating completely incorrect things about my future in the MCU, I’m always very excited that people are even thinking of me in that capacity.”
What’s Next for X-23?
At this point, Marvel Studios has not confirmed when or if Keen’s Laura will return to the MCU. But behind the scenes, conversations are happening.
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige recently told press that the studio is in active talks with Ryan Reynolds about the MCU’s next two Avengers tentpoles: Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. The implication? Characters introduced or reintroduced in Deadpool & Wolverine could very well be along for the ride.
“There absolutely have been discussions. We’re in touch with Ryan a lot. So the answer is yes,” Feige confirmed when asked about Reynolds’ future in the MCU.
Feige was more cheeky when it came to Hugh Jackman’s return:
“He’s doing it till he’s 90, man!”
Although nothing official has been said about Keen’s inclusion in the Avengers saga, fans have reason to be optimistic. With the multiverse wide open and X-Men integration well underway, especially following the confirmed return of original franchise stars Patrick Stewart and Alan Cumming in Secret Wars, it’s increasingly likely that X-23 could have a future in Marvel’s next major crossover.
Who Is X-23?
Originally created for the animated series X-Men: Evolution before making her way to comics, X-23 is a genetically engineered clone of Logan created by the Weapon X program. Trained from childhood to be a deadly assassin, Laura has walked a path of pain, rage, and redemption, mirroring and at times surpassing her “father” Wolverine.
In the comics, she’s been a core member of X-Force, Avengers Academy, and even replaced Logan as the official Wolverine for a stretch. If that’s any indication of Marvel’s plans, we could be looking at a much bigger role for Keen in future phases.
Streaming Now But Is That All?
For now, Deadpool & Wolverine is streaming on Disney+, giving fans the chance to revisit Keen’s powerhouse performance. But with the MCU at a crossroads, facing franchise fatigue while also reinventing itself through characters like Deadpool, Wolverine, and Laura, bringing Keen back may not just be a fan-service moment. It might be Marvel’s smartest move.
