In a captivating recent development, X-23, portrayed by Dafne Keen, dons a strikingly accurate Wolverine mask inspired by the beloved comic book character in new fan art related to Deadpool & Wolverine. This creative piece by artist @yamuoex showcases X-23’s intriguing journey as she embraces her potential connection to the iconic mutant legacy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
As the excitement builds for Deadpool & Wolverine, fans are particularly thrilled to see Keen’s Laura Kinney, previously introduced in Logan, stepping back into the spotlight alongside Deadpool and Wolverine. In a surprising twist, she engages in a thrilling battle against the formidable Cassandra Nova, revealing a captivating narrative that picks up from the emotional conclusion of the film.
What’s remarkable here is that Dafne Keen’s X-23 has never encountered Wolverine’s classic yellow suit in her timeline; her version of Logan never sported such a vibrant costume. However, that changes as this new chapter unfolds, presenting X-23 with the opportunity to explore the significance of Wolverine’s mask, which has only existed in comic book illustrations for her.
During the events of Logan, we witness a poignant moment where Logan reprimands Laura for enjoying comic books about the X-Men, implying that the truth of their adventures is far more complex than depicted. Yet now, after reuniting with a fresh and optimistic version of Wolverine, X-23 finds herself inspired to possibly take up the mantle and follow in his footsteps.
Speculation is rife regarding the future of X-23 in the MCU. One possibility is that Jackman’s Wolverine will pass the torch to Keen’s character, allowing her to step into the role of All-New Wolverine. This transition mirrors her journey in the comics after Logan’s death, marking a significant evolution of her character.
As the Marvel Cinematic Universe prepares for a soft reboot following Avengers: Secret Wars, one can’t help but wonder about the fate of the Wolverine character. Jackman’s Wolverine is immensely popular, and it stands to reason that he could remain a vital part of the MCU for a while even after announcing his retirement. In this context, having X-23 inherit the iconic role offers a seamless way to continue the Wolverine legacy without resorting to another reboot.
If the timing aligns well, there’s a solid chance X-23 could be integrated into either the MCU’s X-Men or another mutant ensemble. Given that Keen is now aging into the character’s typical portrayal, she could potentially embody this role indefinitely post-Deadpool & Wolverine.
This vibrant new chapter for X-23 not only excites fans but also holds the potential for captivating new narratives within the MCU, leading to a future where she could be the face of Wolverine—at least until the franchise introduces a new actor to take over the beloved character. As fans eagerly await the film’s release, the possibilities for X-23 and her continuing story appear limitless.