X-23 Forever: Why Dafne Keen Is the Future of Wolverine

Dafne Keen, who famously brought Laura Kinney (aka X-23) to life in Logan (2017), is ready to continue playing the fan-favourite character for the rest of her life. In a recent interview with Empire, Keen didn’t hold back, expressing her deep connection with the role and her eagerness to reprise it in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Her passion for X-23 has sparked excitement among Marvel fans, many of whom see her as the perfect candidate to carry on Wolverine’s legacy. But what does this mean for Keen, X-23, and the broader MCU? Let’s dive in.

A Love for the Character

Keen’s portrayal of Laura Kinney in Logan was nothing short of spectacular. She embodied a younger, more raw version of Wolverine‘s clone with fierce intensity. Despite being just a child at the time, Keen handled the physical and emotional demands of the role with poise. In her interview, she explained how much she enjoys the character’s complexity and how playing Laura is a fulfilling experience on multiple levels. From the emotional weight to the intense physicality, Keen relishes it all: “I would 100% do this for the rest of my life,” she said, even going so far as to joke about “killing” for the chance to reprise the role.

Given her strong enthusiasm, it’s easy to see why fans are clamouring for her return. But more than just a fan-driven movement, Keen’s commitment to X-23 adds another layer of complexity to Marvel’s evolving Wolverine storylines.

What’s Next for Dafne Keen X-23?

The future of X-23 in the MCU looks bright, particularly after Keen’s reprisal of the role in Deadpool & Wolverine. Fans were thrilled to see her team up with Deadpool and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, further cementing her place in the franchise. Her character’s potential to replace Wolverine in future MCU projects offers Marvel an exciting opportunity to evolve the Wolverine legacy.

While it’s unclear exactly what Marvel has in store for X-23, the possibilities are endless. One compelling direction would be for Laura to fully assume the Wolverine mantle, just as she did in the comics. In recent comic arcs, X-23 took over as Wolverine, and this could offer a poetic continuation of the character’s arc in the films​.

Alternatively, X-23 could explore other roles in Marvel’s expansive universe. Joining groups like the Young Avengers, New Mutants, or even X-Force, which is known for its darker tone, could allow Keen’s character to showcase different facets of her personality and abilities.

The Wolverine Legacy: Can Dafne Keen Fill Hugh Jackman’s Shoes?

The idea of anyone stepping into the shoes of Hugh Jackman, who played Wolverine for nearly two decades, seems like an impossible task. However, Keen’s X-23 brings a fresh and youthful take on the character. Her performance in Logan not only proved that she could handle the role but that she could bring new depth and intensity to Wolverine’s legacy.

Keen’s X-23 also represents a new generation of superheroes—young, fierce, and emotionally nuanced. As the MCU continues to evolve and bring in younger heroes, Keen could become a central figure in a new wave of characters, alongside the likes of Tom Holland’s Spider-Man and Hailee Steinfeld’s Kate Bishop. This generational shift is something the MCU is already building, and Keen’s return could fit seamlessly into that vision.

A Potential X-23 Solo Film?

While nothing has been officially confirmed, the idea of an X-23 solo film is highly appealing. Such a project could dive deeper into Laura’s backstory, exploring her relationship with Logan, the trauma she endured, and her path to self-acceptance. Moreover, a solo film would allow Marvel to expand on the themes introduced in Logan, while also giving X-23 the chance to establish herself as a standalone hero.

Another direction could be focusing on X-23’s life after Logan and her journey in a world without her father figure. Keen’s character could explore the meaning of legacy, especially in a world that continues to compare her to the original Wolverine.