Dafne Keen’s Summer of Secrets: From Jedi Padawan to X-23 Mentor
The summer of 2023 has been a whirlwind for young star Dafne Keen. While audiences eagerly awaited the release of Disney+’s highly anticipated Star Wars series, "The Acolyte," Keen was simultaneously prepping for her return to the X-Men universe in "Deadpool & Wolverine." But there was one crucial detail she had to keep under wraps: she was in both projects.
Keen’s performance as the fierce Jedi Padawan Jeki Lon in "The Acolyte" was a highlight of the show, even though her character met a tragically early demise. However, her involvement in "Deadpool & Wolverine" remained a closely guarded secret until the final trailer dropped, revealing her return as the formidable X-23, a role she first took on in the acclaimed 2017 film "Logan."
Maintaining this dual involvement became a masterclass in stealth for Keen, who was forced to navigate a constant barrage of questions about her upcoming projects. "I had a great time keeping it secret," Keen told Entertainment Weekly, "I had to do a bunch of press for a job [The Acolyte] that I just finished. I got asked in every interview, and I just got to lie, which was really funny."
Keen’s approach to secrecy mirrored that of another Hollywood icon known for his ability to deflect inquiries about major movie roles: Andrew Garfield. "All the inspo comes from Andrew Garfield," Keen said, "He is the master at this." Garfield, of course, became infamous for his elaborate denials of his participation in "Spider-Man: No Way Home," before ultimately thrilling audiences with his triumphant return to the role.
Keen’s journey back to the world of "Deadpool & Wolverine" was a thrilling surprise for her as well. She learned about her return while deeply immersed in the demanding physical training for "The Acolyte." "I got the call about returning to the role of X-23 after a full day of filming and stunt training," she said, "I didn’t know my agent had been negotiating the deal for a month. I immediately screamed. I dropped my phone in the bath. I had to put it in rice; it was a whole thing."
While the extent of X-23’s involvement in "Deadpool & Wolverine" is still shrouded in mystery, the trailer glimpses her serving as a mentor figure for the new version of Wolverine, played by Hugh Jackman. Keen shed light on this dynamic, stating, "It was wonderful to get to come back to [the relationship between she and Logan] and explore that as a grownup, now understanding parental rage so much more and bringing that to the table for her.”
Keen elaborated on her character’s evolution: “I found that Laura in Logan stumbled into having a dad and then having lost her dad, we find her again really knowing how to appreciate—and with this kind of wiseness to her—how much her father means to her.”
This return to the role of X-23 marks a significant moment in Keen’s career, showcasing her maturity as an actress and her ability to portray complex characters with nuance and depth. Her journey from the brutal world of "Logan" to the mystical realm of "The Acolyte" demonstrates her versatility and talent, cementing her as one of the most exciting young stars in Hollywood.
While "The Acolyte" is now streaming on Disney+, audiences have to wait a little longer to see her return as X-23 in "Deadpool & Wolverine," which hits theaters September 6th, 2024. Both projects represent major milestones in Keen’s career, and her performances are sure to captivate audiences with their raw emotionality and captivating presence.
Beyond these two high-profile projects, Keen continues to work tirelessly, honing her skills, and expanding her repertoire. Her dedication to her craft, combined with her innate talent and infectious energy, ensures that her star will continue to rise in the years to come.
As she embarks on this exciting new chapter in her career, Keen’s summer of secrets serves as a reminder of her commitment to her art, her passion for storytelling, and her ability to surprise and delight audiences with every new project. We can only wait with bated breath to see what incredible stories she will bring to life next.
