What's Happening?
Actress Dafne Keen recently shared insights into her audition process for the role of Laura/X-23 in the 2017 film 'Logan'. During an appearance on the 'Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum' podcast, Keen revealed that she was up against Millie Bobby Brown
for the part. Keen, who was 10 when auditions began and 11 when she secured the role, recalled meeting Brown at the hotel prior to their final screen test. Despite their friendly interaction, Keen admitted to feeling certain that Brown would ultimately land the role, thinking, 'She's gonna book it, like there's no way I'm booking it.' Both actresses were relatively unknown at the time, with Brown filming 'Stranger Things' before its release. Keen's portrayal of X-23 alongside Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart garnered significant critical acclaim, earning her an Empire Award for Best Newcomer and an MTV Movie + TV Award for Best Duo with Hugh Jackman.
Why It's Important?
This revelation highlights the competitive nature of the entertainment industry, particularly for child actors vying for significant roles in major productions. The casting decision for X-23 in 'Logan' was crucial, as the character became a breakout success and a fan favorite, contributing significantly to the film's critical and commercial triumph. The film's success also solidified Dafne Keen's position as a rising talent, leading to subsequent roles in major franchises like 'His Dark Materials' and 'Star Wars: The Acolyte'. The story also underscores the 'sliding doors' moments in actors' careers, where a single role can dramatically alter their trajectory. For Millie Bobby Brown, while she didn't get this role, her concurrent work on 'Stranger Things' propelled her to global stardom, demonstrating that multiple paths can lead to success in Hollywood.
What's Next?
Dafne Keen is set to appear in the third season of 'Percy Jackson & the Olympians' on Disney+ and Hulu, premiering on November 20. Her character, Laura/X-23, also made an appearance in 'Deadpool & Wolverine', suggesting potential future involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While a previously discussed solo Laura movie was shelved after the Disney-Fox merger, Keen's continued presence in the MCU leaves open the possibility of her character's return. The success of 'Deadpool & Wolverine' and the upcoming 'Avengers: Doomsday', which will feature Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds, could further influence the trajectory of X-23 within the broader Marvel narrative. The industry will be watching to see how Keen's career continues to evolve across various high-profile projects.
Beyond the Headlines
The anecdote about Keen and Brown's audition process offers a glimpse into the often-unseen pressures and dynamics faced by young performers. It illustrates how personal relationships can intersect with professional competition at an early age. Furthermore, the story subtly touches upon the broader impact of major film franchises on actors' careers, particularly how a single, impactful role can define a young actor's public image and open doors to future opportunities. The continued discussion around X-23's future in the MCU also reflects the ongoing evolution of cinematic universes and the strategic decisions made by studios regarding character development and continuity across different properties.
