Dafne Keen, who reprised her role as Laura (X-23) in last year’s Deadpool & Wolverine, has shared her strong desire to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as the fierce mutant character. In a recent interview at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, Keen discussed her experience playing Laura and her hopes for the character’s future in the MCU, sparking intrigue about where the young mutant might appear next in Marvel Studios’ expansive multiverse.
In Deadpool & Wolverine, released on July 26, 2024, Keen returned as Laura, the young mutant from 2017’s critically acclaimed Logan. The film, a celebration of the Fox-Marvel era, brought several X-Men characters into the MCU, with Laura emerging as a fan-favorite. After surviving the perils of The Void, Laura was last seen alongside Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine variant, Ryan Reynolds’ Wade Wilson, and their allies in a triumphant conclusion that saved Earth-10005. Keen’s performance rekindled interest in the character, setting the stage for her potential return.
During an interview with Ash Crossan in ScreenRant’s San Diego Comic-Con 2025 media suite, Keen was promoting her upcoming film, Whistle, set for release in 2025. The conversation turned to her recent appearance at the Fantastic Four premiere, which unexpectedly drew attention to her MCU involvement. Keen expressed surprise at the buzz, noting, “My friends are sending me it, and I’m like, ‘Oh. I was just having a night out.’” She highlighted the warm reception from the industry, describing the event as an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and enjoy the film, which she praised highly.
When asked about her ideal next steps for Laura in the MCU, Keen’s enthusiasm was palpable. “Honestly, anything that brings me back to playing her, I would take,” she said. “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.” Reflecting on her time filming Logan at a young age, Keen admitted she initially underestimated Laura’s impact. “I didn’t realize how much of an impact it had,” she explained. “Then, after last year, I’ve really kind of experienced how much impact she had in a way.” Even speculation about her MCU future, accurate or not, excites her, as it reflects ongoing interest in Laura’s story.
While Marvel Studios has yet to announce concrete plans for Laura’s return, Keen’s comments suggest a mutual eagerness between the actress and audiences for more of X-23. The MCU’s ongoing Multiverse Saga, particularly with Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars on the horizon in Phase 6, presents potential opportunities for Laura’s inclusion. These films, expected to reshape the MCU’s narrative landscape, could feature Keen’s character alongside other Deadpool & Wolverine alumni. Additionally, the MCU’s planned reset post-Phase 6 might open doors for a more prominent role for Laura in future phases, possibly in the anticipated X-Men reboot slated for Phase 7.
Keen’s deep connection to Laura underscores the character’s significance. In Deadpool & Wolverine, Laura’s fierce combat skills and emotional depth shone, positioning her as a potential successor to Wolverine in the MCU, especially if Hugh Jackman’s Logan does not remain a fixture after the Multiverse Saga. The X-Men reboot could serve as an ideal platform for Keen to further explore Laura’s journey, leveraging her established chemistry with the mutant universe.
As Marvel Studios continues to expand its roster of characters, Keen’s readiness to return as Laura aligns with the studio’s knack for surprise reveals. Whether she’s privy to future plans or simply hopeful, her passion for the role is undeniable. With Whistle on the horizon and the MCU’s future unfolding, Keen’s Laura could soon claw her way back into the spotlight, ready to carve out a new chapter in the ever-evolving Marvel Cinematic Universe.
