Dafne Keen, who gained fame as Laura/X-23 in “Logan,” has shared her emotional experience of reuniting with Hugh Jackman for the upcoming film “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Keen, now 20, reprised her role as the cloned daughter of Jackman’s Wolverine, marking a significant moment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Journey from ‘Logan’ to MCU
Keen first played Laura/X-23 at just 11 years old in James Mangold’s acclaimed film, which was also Jackman’s farewell to his Wolverine character. Despite initial plans for an X-23 spinoff, the character’s future in the Marvel Universe was uncertain due to the Disney-Fox merger. However, the MCU’s Multiverse Saga eventually made it possible to revisit characters from different universes.
Reunion with Hugh Jackman
The announcement that Jackman would return as Wolverine in “Deadpool & Wolverine” led to speculation about Keen’s involvement. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Keen revealed that director Shawn Levy had hinted at her return by mentioning a pivotal scene where Deadpool talks about X-23. Keen noted, “Shawn told me this lovely story about him reading a scene where Deadpool talks about X-23 and thinking, ‘Maybe we should just have X-23.’ She’s a big emotional motor for Wolverine, and Wolverine is her entire emotional motor.”
Emotional Filming Experience
Keen’s return to the role was a significant moment for both her and Jackman. They had previously worked together on “Logan,” and Keen was excited to reconnect with her former co-star. “The reunion was incredibly emotional,” Keen recalled. “It was surreal to be back on set with Hugh, especially after working together on such a poignant film.”
Keeping the Secret
The actress also touched on the challenge of maintaining secrecy around her role. “There were talks of me attending the premiere as Hugh’s plus-one, which would’ve been hilarious,” she said. Keen was initially shocked when Disney’s marketing team revealed her role ahead of the film’s release, which led to a mix of excitement and surprise.
A Heartfelt Scene
In discussing her scenes with Jackman, Keen described them as deeply moving. “Imagine losing your only father figure, only to reunite with him years later, but he doesn’t remember you,” she said. “It was a beautiful and heartbreaking moment to play.” She noted that filming these scenes, especially those near a campfire, echoed their previous work on “Logan,” adding a layer of nostalgia to the experience.
Physical Transformation and Stunt Work
Keen also reflected on the physicality of her role, which involved recreating the distinctive fighting style of X-23. “We made new glasses and updated her look to fit with my older self,” Keen explained. “It was important to maintain the essence of the character while adapting her movements to my current abilities.”
The Transition from ‘The Acolyte’
As for her work in “The Acolyte,” Keen described the transition from that set to “Deadpool & Wolverine” as challenging but exciting. She noted, “I was jetlagged and delirious, but the experience was amazing. It was a surreal moment to be surrounded by Hollywood’s brightest.”
Enduring Impact
Keen’s journey from child actor to a returning Marvel character has been marked by significant milestones. Her portrayal of Laura/X-23 continues to resonate with fans, and her return in “Deadpool & Wolverine” serves as a testament to her enduring impact on the Marvel universe.
