Recent public statements by actress Dafne Keen indicate a willingness to step into the role of Wolverine within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), should the opportunity arise. This comes as anticipation builds for the MCU's introduction of the X-Men franchise and as Keen reprises her character, X-23, in the film Deadpool & Wolverine. Fan sentiment appears to be a significant factor in discussions surrounding the future of the Wolverine character, with many expressing a desire for Keen to inherit the mantle.
Keen's Current Role and Fan Reception
Dafne Keen first portrayed Laura Kinney, also known as X-23, the genetic daughter of Wolverine, in the 2017 film Logan. Her return to the role in Deadpool & Wolverine, seven years later, has been met with positive fan reception.
Keen has stated that fan appreciation for her portrayal of X-23 is deeply meaningful to her.
She has expressed that it is "so special" to see fans connect with the character as much as she does.
Social media platforms feature fan art depicting Keen in Wolverine's iconic costume, signaling strong public backing for her to assume the role.
Exploring the MCU's X-Men Future
Marvel Studios is reportedly developing an X-Men reboot, tentatively titled Marvel's X-Men, for release after Phase 6 of the MCU's Multiverse Saga concludes. While no specific release date has been set, the studio's intention to introduce these popular mutants suggests a strategic shift in their ongoing cinematic narrative.
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The Disney-Fox merger brought the X-Men film rights back to Marvel Studios, paving the way for their integration into the MCU.
The eventual appearance of the X-Men is a key anticipated development following the conclusion of the current saga.
Keen's Perspective on Succession
Interviews reveal Keen's thoughts on the possibility of her character, X-23, evolving into the primary Wolverine figure in the MCU.
Keen has articulated an openness to playing X-23 for "as long as she can" in the MCU.
She views the fan demand for her to become the new Wolverine as significant, stating it "means so much to me."
While enthusiastic about the prospect, Keen has also indicated that Hugh Jackman's Logan should ideally remain a part of the narrative, perhaps suggesting a transitional or mentorship role.
"And, honestly, it's so special to me that the people love her as much as I did." - Dafne Keen
Fan Dynamics and Character Legacy
A segment of the fanbase is actively advocating for Marvel Studios to have Dafne Keen's X-23 assume the Wolverine persona, viewing her as the logical successor to Hugh Jackman's iconic portrayal.
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Some fans believe Keen's X-23 is the ideal character to carry forward Wolverine's legacy within the MCU.
The discussion often centers on whether Marvel will "pass the baton" from Jackman to Keen, particularly in the post-Secret Wars MCU.
This fan movement suggests a desire to maintain the Wolverine presence while exploring new character arcs.
Sources Used:
ScreenRant: Published 1 day ago. Discusses Dafne Keen's response to fan desires for her to replace Hugh Jackman as MCU's Wolverine, mentioning the upcoming X-Men reboot.
https://screenrant.com/xmen-wolverine-dafne-keen-replace-hugh-jackman-mcu-response/
Inkl: Published 10 hours ago. Features Dafne Keen's reaction to fan support for her taking over as Wolverine in the MCU, highlighting her appreciation and connection to the character.
https://www.inkl.com/news/it-means-so-much-to-me-dafne-keen-open-to-replacing-hugh-jackman-as-wolverine-in-mcu
Comicbookmovie.com: Published 17 hours ago. An exclusive interview where Dafne Keen responds to fans wanting X-23 to become the MCU's Wolverine, noting her appreciation for the support and fan art.
https://comicbookmovie.com/xmen/whistle-star-dafne-keen-responds-to-fans-who-want-to-see-x-23-suit-up-as-mcus-wolverine-exclusive-a226317
Animated Times: Published Sep 3, 2024. Reports on fan demand for Marvel to let Dafne Keen's X-23 become Wolverine, following her "honest confession" about the character.
https://animatedtimes.com/fans-desperately-want-marvel-to-make-one-ballsy-decision-with-wolverine-after-dafne-keens-honest-confession-about-x-23/
The Red Carpet: Published Feb 3, 2025. Covers Dafne Keen expressing her desire to be the next Wolverine after Hugh Jackman, specifically mentioning her openness at the Saturn Awards.
https://theredcarpet.net/dafne-keen-wants-to-be-the-next-wolverine-after-hugh-jackman/
The Direct: Published Nov 15, 2024. Focuses on Dafne Keen teasing X-23's future in the MCU after her Deadpool & Wolverine appearance, suggesting she could take up the Wolverine mantle if Marvel avoids recasting Logan.
https://thedirect.com/article/dafne-keen-x-23-deadpool-and-wolverine-future
AOL (via Todaycnews.com): Dafne Keen addresses X-23's MCU future after Deadpool & Wolverine, with fans calling for her return. It notes that Keen's portrayal as a fully grown Laura in Deadpool & Wolverine opened doors for more appearances and that Marvel might keep Jackman's variant around.
https://todaycnews.com/phuonglinh/dafne-keen-addresses-x-23s-mcu-future-after-deadpool-wolverine-fans-demand-her-return/
Digital Chew: Published Aug 12, 2024. Details Dafne Keen's eagerness to continue as X-23, contrasting with some fan sentiments favoring keeping Wolverine original, while also noting her personal appreciation for X-23's character.
https://digitalchew.com/2024/08/12/dafne-keen-keen-to-continue-as-x-23-fans-rally-for-wolverine-to-stay-original/
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