Dafne Keen needs to return as Laura in theMCUafter her comments in theDeadpool & Wolverinefeaturette,Assembled: The Making of Deadpool & Wolverine. Dafne Keen’s Laura is one of the more fresh-facedcameos inDeadpool & Wolverine, with Channing Tatum’s Gambit being one of the newest additions to the MCU. Yet her debut in 2017’sLogan- one of the most criticallyacclaimed comic book movies of all time- has had a lasting impact on both audiences and Dafne Keen herself to the point that her cameo still felt impactful.
Dafne Keen portrays Wolverine’s biological daughter inLogan, created by Alkali-Transigen from samples of Logan’s DNA. The two develop a deep bond through the course of the movie as Logan attempts to ferry her to safety across the Canadian border. Laura is initially portrayed to be wildly violent, more prone to Wolverine’s berserker rage than Wolverine himself is throughout his cinematic appearances. We were woefully deprived of further character development, however, afterFox’s X-Men franchisefell through - but now the MCU appears poised to bring her back to the fore.
Dafne Keen’s Comments About Deadpool & Wolverine’s Laura Make It Impossible To Not Want The Character To Return
Dafne Keen Is Deeply Connected To Laura
Deadpool & Wolverinelanded on Disney+ last week alongside its behind-the-scenes featurette, which revealed how the movie was made through snippets of the set and interviews with the stars and filmmakers. These interviews revealed such things as Channing Tatum’s surprise to see Gambit’s comic-accurate costume and why the Scarlet Witch’s effigy was featured in the resistance’s hideout. Dafne Keen, now 19, opened up about reprising her role as Laura, sharing thatportraying the character at 12 inLoganmeant that she held a special place in her heart:
“Because I played her at such a young age she’s like embedded in me”
This is definitely a positive sign for Laura’s return infuture MCU installments. Most of theMCU’s most beloved charactersare portrayed by actors who feel an affinity for them, with Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool being a prime example.Keen’s comments make it hard to argue that she shouldn’t be afforded yet another chance to develop the character, givenDeadpool & Wolverinewas such a small - if impactful - window in which to show Laura’s growth. Thankfully, it seemsDeadpool & Wolverineset up this return.
Deadpool & Wolverine’s Ending Already Set Up The Perfect Excuse To Bring Dafne Keen’s Laura Back
Laura Now Lives In Earth-10005
After saving the multiverse from Cassandra Nova and her commandeering of the time ripper, Deadpool asks a favor from B-15 to extract the surviving resistance members from the Void.This resulted in Laurua joining Deadpool and Wolverine in Deadpool’s universe, Earth-10005, seen sitting around a table with Deadpool and his friends in the final shots. It’s practically certain thatDeadpool and Wolverine will return to the MCU, most likely alongside multiple othercharacters inAvengers: Secret Wars.
A deleted scene showed that Gambit may have an MCU future in the wake of Deadpool’s request as he is seen standing in front of a portal with a knowing smile.
This will also be where Keen’s Laura is likely to make another appearance. Given the movie will no doubt be stuffed with cameos, it’s possible that Laura’s role will be small. There is also a small chance thatshe could reprise the role in one of the as-yet-unannounced projects nestled between the releases ofAvengers: DoomsdayandAvengers: Secret Wars. Regardless of where it occurs, I think Marvel would be wise to bring Laura back as an MCU mainstay.
I Think Bringing Dafne Keen’s Laura Back Into The MCU Would Be Right For The Franchise
Laura Has Returned At A Particularly Opportune Moment
While Deadpool’s assertion that Disney will make Hugh Jackman portray Wolverine “‘til he’s 90” is unlikely, it is hard for me to imagine another actor portraying the character.Dafne Keen is the right age to carry the torch and feature as a more unconventional representative of mutantkind, while also embodying the morally gray personas that typify some of the MCU’s most compelling characters. She is also excellent in the role, having proved herself twice as a valuable asset to Marvel’s cinematic franchise.
Young Avengers Cast: 16 Potential Members Already Set Up In The MCU
The MCU is getting closer to assembling a new generation of superheroes. These are the Young Avengers that have already been set up for Phase 4.
She has also entered the MCU at an opportune time. Several recent installments have been setting up the Young Avengers as the next generation of MCU superheroes to take over from their adult counterparts. While comic book precedent doesn’t tie her directly to the Young Avengers when they first form, her reappearance inDeadpool & Wolverinehas come at a conspicuous time as younger MCU heroes have begun banding together with Kamala Khan at the helm.
Deadpool & Wolverine
Cast
A follow-up to the highly successful Deadpool and Deadpool 2 films starring Ryan Reynolds as the Merc with a Mouth. The third film will be the first in the franchise to be developed under the Marvel Studios banner following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.
