Dafne Keen’s X-23 could be returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, a new rumor suggests that she may return in an MCU project other than the upcoming X-Men reboot.
Keen first played Laura Kinney, better known as X-23, in Logan. She later reprised the role in Deadpool & Wolverine, bringing the fan-favorite mutant back into the spotlight. Now, fresh reports have sparked speculation about where the character could appear next.
Dafne Keen’s X-23 Return Is Reportedly in Talks
According to insider My Time To Shine Hello, Dafne Keen is reportedly in talks to reprise her role as X-23.
The report immediately caught the attention of Marvel fans because the MCU is moving toward a major mutant storyline. With Marvel Studios developing its new X-Men movie, many fans naturally assumed that X-23 could be part of that project.
However, there is an important twist.
The insider later clarified that the report does not mean X-23 will appear in the upcoming X-Men reboot. In a follow-up post, My Time To Shine Hello specifically stated:
“Nowhere did I say X-Men reboot FYI”
Therefore, fans should not automatically connect Keen’s rumored return to the next X-Men movie.
Could Dafne Keen’s X-23 Return Happen in an Avengers Movie?
Interestingly, another insider report may provide a possible clue about X-23’s MCU future.
Alex Perez was reportedly asked about what comes next for Dafne Keen’s X-23. His response was brief but potentially significant:
“She’ll be back for the Avengers films, and that’s all I know.”
If accurate, the statement could suggest that X-23 has a future in the Avengers franchise.
That possibility is especially interesting because Avengers: Doomsday already features one of the biggest casts in Marvel Studios history. As a result, Marvel has plenty of opportunities to bring in characters from different corners of its expanding universe.
However, this is still only a rumor. Marvel Studios has not officially confirmed that Keen will return as X-23 or that she will appear in Avengers: Doomsday.
Why X-23 Could Be Important to the MCU?
X-23 has a unique history within Marvel’s movie universe.
The character was originally introduced by Dafne Keen in Logan, where she shared the screen with Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. Years later, Keen returned as Laura Kinney in Deadpool & Wolverine.
That appearance became particularly important because Deadpool & Wolverine opened the door for several legacy Marvel characters to interact with the MCU.
Because of this history, Marvel has multiple options for X-23.
X-23 Could Connect the X-Men and Avengers
One possibility is that Marvel could use X-23 to help connect its mutant characters with the Avengers.
The MCU is gradually building toward a larger mutant presence. At the same time, the Avengers franchise is expanding its roster with heroes and legacy characters from across Marvel’s movie history.
Therefore, bringing X-23 into an Avengers project could give Marvel an opportunity to connect these different storylines.
It could also allow Laura Kinney to develop beyond her previous appearances before the MCU’s new X-Men team becomes fully established.
X-23 May Not Be Part of the X-Men Reboot
Despite the recent rumors, fans should not assume that Dafne Keen will appear in Marvel’s upcoming X-Men reboot.
The insider who reported that Keen could return specifically clarified that the rumor was not about the X-Men reboot.
That distinction is important.
Marvel could have plans for X-23 in another project while introducing an entirely different version of the X-Men in its upcoming reboot. Alternatively, the studio could keep Keen’s return connected to a larger multiverse storyline.
For now, however, there is no official information confirming which direction Marvel will take.
Avengers: Doomsday Has a Huge Marvel Cast
If X-23 does appear in Avengers: Doomsday, she would be joining an already massive ensemble.
Robert Downey Jr. is set to lead the movie as Victor von Doom. Meanwhile, Chris Evans is returning as Steve Rogers, and Chris Hemsworth will reprise his role as Thor.
The announced cast also includes Florence Pugh, Pedro Pascal, Paul Rudd, Anthony Mackie, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Wyatt Russell, Channing Tatum, Simu Liu, Ian McKellen, Tom Hiddleston, Kathryn Newton, Danny Ramirez, Winston Duke, Alan Cumming, and James Marsden.
With so many major Marvel characters involved, an X-23 appearance would certainly fit the movie’s enormous scale.
Still, Marvel has yet to confirm Keen as part of the cast.
Avengers: Doomsday is directed by Joe and Anthony Russo.
The movie is currently scheduled to arrive in theaters on December 18, 2026.
Given its massive cast and connection to Marvel’s wider multiverse storyline, the film is expected to play a major role in the MCU’s next chapter.
Consequently, additional casting news and character announcements could emerge before the movie reaches theaters.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on MCU’s upcoming projects, and subscribe to Marvel Updates’ YouTube channel.
