With the MCU having tricked fans more than once, is there a chance for X-23 to stay on in the MCU post-Deadpool & Wolverine?

With X-23 confirmed to be a part of Deadpool & Wolverine, fans are excited to see how the MCU looks after the release of the feature film later this week. While a lot of fans have high hopes for the character staying in the MCU, there have been enough letdowns from the franchise that have gotten some fans a little more skeptical about whether X-23 will make an appearance in the mainline MCU.

Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and Dafne Keen as X-23 in Logan

While the final Deadpool & Wolverine trailer revealed X-23’s existence in the film, fans are afraid that the character might not be there to provide any meaningful contribution to the franchise, instead serving as pure fan service for this one film alone. Fans feel this way thanks to the numerous rumors and speculations that fell through, despite being fueled by official sources.

Fans want X-23 to stick around but are convinced she is one and done in the MCU

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in Deadpool & Wolverine / Walt Disney Studios

Fans have taken to the internet about how they feel about X-23 in the MCU. While the majority of the fandom is very excited to see the character return in Deadpool & Wolverine, a significant chunk is convinced that the character is not going to be in it for the long run.

While there are fans who would just be happy with the character’s appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine, there seems to be a potent want for the character to stay on in the MCU. This also makes sense from a business standpoint, as Dafne Keen might be able to play the character for quite some time, given how young the actress is. This allows Laura to be the Wolverine of the MCU, while Jackman can reserve his appearances for main events like Secret Wars.

Hugh Jackman could be handing off the torch to Dafne Keen in Deadpool & Wolverine

Dafne Keen as X-23 in Deadpool & Wolverine || Marvel Studios

Hugh Jackman had hung up his claws before he agreed to return for Deadpool & Wolverine. The actor had cited his age as one of the reasons why he had decided to retire from the character.

Given that that is still the case, it is unlikely that Jackman will serve as the main Wolverine of the MCU. However, given that it is confirmed that Dafne Keen will be reprising her role in the film, she could be the regular Wolverine of the MCU.

By allowing Laura to be the main Wolverine of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the franchise could use the character more frequently, while reserving Hugh Jackman for cameos or bigger films that merit his appearance, sort of like The Hulk, but with more narrative reasons to not show up rather than convoluted rights issues.

Deadpool & Wolverine hits theatres on July 26, 2024.