The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is poised to deliver its next major milestone with Avengers: Doomsday, the first of two upcoming films featuring Earth's Mightiest Heroes in the Multiverse Saga. As excitement mounts for the return of the Avengers franchise, speculation about the cast continues to swirl. One character generating significant buzz is Laura, also known as X-23, portrayed by Dafne Keen in Deadpool & Wolverine. In a recent interview, Keen shared an update on her potential involvement in Avengers: Doomsday, leaving fans intrigued about her future in the MCU.
In an interview with ScreenRant's Joe Deckelmeier at FAN EXPO Canada, Dafne Keen was asked directly about her possible role in Avengers: Doomsday. Her response was candid and uncertain: "I actually have no idea, like, legitimately, I swear to you... I literally, right now, I have no idea. I've not heard." Keen's statement suggests that she has not been informed about any involvement in the film, but it does not definitively rule out her participation. The ambiguity of her response aligns with the secretive nature of Avengers: Doomsday's production, which has kept details tightly guarded.
The unique filming schedule for Avengers: Doomsday, which has been in production for several months, may explain Keen's uncertainty. With a large ensemble cast, the film likely involves staggered shooting schedules, allowing actors to join at different stages. Reshoots, a common practice in MCU projects, could also provide an opportunity for Keen to film scenes later if she is not currently involved.
The Case for X-23’s Return
The narrative groundwork laid in Deadpool & Wolverine strongly supports the possibility of X-23’s return in Avengers: Doomsday. The film concludes with Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool, Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, and Dafne Keen’s Laura together in Wade Wilson’s apartment, hinting at their continued connection. With reports suggesting that Reynolds is set to appear in Avengers: Doomsday, it would make narrative sense for Wolverine and X-23 to join him, particularly if their universe faces multiversal threats. X-23’s inclusion would also advance Marvel’s efforts to integrate mutants into the MCU, building on the X-Men’s introduction in Deadpool & Wolverine.
Keen’s history of maintaining secrecy adds intrigue to her comments. At FAN EXPO Canada’s The Acolyte panel, she revealed that she had to conceal her return as X-23 during the Deadpool & Wolverine promotional cycle, even lying in interviews to preserve the surprise. Given Avengers: Doomsday’s status as a highly secretive project, Keen could be employing a similar tactic to avoid spoiling a potential appearance.
Unlike other MCU films, such as Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which faced frequent leaks through set photos and videos, Avengers: Doomsday has remained remarkably discreet. Marvel’s success in limiting leaks suggests that major casting reveals, like X-23’s potential return, could be deliberately hidden to surprise audiences. If Keen is not currently involved, the extended production timeline and the possibility of reshoots provide ample opportunity for her to join the cast later. Alternatively, if X-23 does not appear in Avengers: Doomsday, the subsequent Avengers: Secret Wars could serve as another avenue for her return, given the interconnected nature of the Multiverse Saga’s climactic films.
Avengers: Doomsday Confirmed Cast and Creative Team
Marvel has confirmed several actors for Avengers: Doomsday, including Chris Hemsworth reprising his role as Thor, alongside the Fantastic Four cast: Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing. Reports also indicate that Ryan Reynolds and Chris Evans may be involved, though their roles remain unconfirmed. The film is penned by writers Stephen McFeely and Michael Waldron, with the latter known for his work on Loki and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Drawing inspiration from Marvel comics icons Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, the creative team is crafting a story rooted in the franchise’s storied legacy.
Dafne Keen’s statement leaves her potential return as X-23 in Avengers: Doomsday uncertain but far from impossible. Whether her uncertainty reflects Marvel’s secretive production strategy or a genuine lack of involvement, the narrative setup from Deadpool & Wolverine makes a compelling case for her character’s inclusion. As Marvel builds toward the Multiverse Saga’s epic conclusion, the question of X-23’s role remains a tantalizing mystery.
Avengers: Doomsday is set to release in theaters on December 18, 2026.
