Deadpool & Wolverine Producer’s Promising Revelation About Dafne Keen’s Return Proves X-23 Could Be More Important in The Film Than Fans Realize

Deadpool & Wolverine is finally arriving and bringing together two of Marvel’s most iconic characters in its multiversal adventure. The film looks promising to deliver the expected humor and action from the Merc with a mouth along with some emotional and dark tones from Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine.

Apart from them, the final trailer has revealed the surprise return of Dafne Keen, who was last seen as X-23 in 2017’s Logan. This unexpected comeback has fueled the already popular fan theories and speculations.

Dafne Keen’s Return Is More Than a Cameo

As the film is about to be released, new details suggest that Keen’s role might be more significant than initially thought. A recent revelation from the production team hints at a deeper involvement of X-23 in the story, potentially inspiring the Wolverine that is seen in the movie.

Cameos are quite common in big-budget multi-starrer movies, especially when the movie deals with the multiverse. But Deadpool & Wolverine might be going with a different thought. Executive producer Wendy Jacobson revealed this in a recent interview with Inverse, saying,

It’s interesting because cameo is a word we don’t really say in our film. To us, it’s purely story-driven. If someone is showing up, they have a beginning, middle, and end. Dafne coming in gives the film a real emotional poignancy and resonance.

Her statement suggests that Dafne Keen‘s return as Laura is not just a quick fan-service moment. Instead, she might have a substantial role to play in the narrative.

Moreover, the reunion between Keen and Hugh Jackman on set was also a touching moment, as she was just 11 when Logan was made, and now she is 19. Their emotional connection could translate into some impactful on-screen moments between Wolverine and his variant’s daughter.

Speaking of Logan, Jacobson assures fans that the makers took great care to respect that film’s legacy and ending while also maintaining the continuity of Deadpool as well as Wolverine. It also hints that there might be some fourth-wall-breaking explanations or multiversal explanations to make it all make sense. 

Cameos, Variants, and Surprises in Deadpool & Wolverine

X-23’s return was not the only surprise Deadpool & Wolverine had in store. Early screenings of the film have revealed some spoilers that will take fans’ excitement to another level. It seems the multiverse is in full effect, bringing a lot of familiar faces and scenarios.

In the latest teaser, TVA’s Hunter B-15, played by Wunmi Mosaku, who was last seen in Loki Season 2, is shown for a brief moment talking with someone. There are also scenes of spaghettification in the final trailer. which is another reference from Loki.

Another big revelation was the long-awaited face-off between Wolverine and Hulk. Their fight has been a comic book classic for years, and it looks like Deadpool & Wolverine is finally realizing it. According to a report by MaxBlizz and scooper MyTimeToShineHello on X, the fight was reportedly shown in a 40-minute preview screened in Shanghai.

The screening also revealed multiple Logan variants throughout the film. From the classic Wolverine to other variants, including a zombie Logan. Seems Jackman will be pulling multiple roles in this film. 

And there is Lady Deadpool as well, who is rumored to be played by Ryan Reynolds‘ real-life wife, Blake Lively. Although all these can only be confirmed after the release of the movie, Jacobson’s promise that each appearance is more than just a quick cameo definitely raises hopes for Marvel fans.

Deadpool & Wolverine is releasing in theaters on July 26, 2024.