We first met her back in 2017 in Logan, where she more than held her own alongside Wolverine—and honestly, nearly stole the entire film. Fast-forward nearly a decade, and Dafne Keen has grown into a star who commands attention all on her own. Sharp talent, striking presence, and super hot looks. Logan-level iconic, you geeks.
So yes, that photo above? It’s exactly why fans are permanently on standby for any future X-23 announcements. Claws optional, hype guaranteed
Who is Dafne Keen
Dafne Keen is a Spanish-British actress who is only 21 years of age—and somehow already has a résumé most actors would happily trade for. She first made jaws drop as Laura Kinney (aka X-23) in Logan (2017), returned claws-out in Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), brought heart and grit as Lyra Belacqua in His Dark Materials (2019–2022), and stepped into the Star Wars universe as Jecki Lon in The Acolyte (2024).
The daughter of actors Will Keen and María Fernández Ache, Dafne made her screen debut in The Refugees in 2015 and has been quietly stealing scenes ever since. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she’s known for delivering powerful performances—especially in action and fantasy roles—often while making it look effortlessly cool.
Her Early Life
Dafne Keen was born on 4 January 2005 in Madrid, into a family where creativity is basically the family business. Her father is English actor Will Keen, and her mother is Spanish actress and director María Fernández Ache—so the talent gene clearly didn’t skip a generation.
On her dad’s side, her great-grandfather was Edward Curzon, the 6th Earl Howe, and her aunts include poet Alice Oswald and writer Laura Beatty. In short: acting, writing, and storytelling run deep—Dafne just happens to wield claws while doing it.
Career Journey
Dafne Keen made her acting debut in 2015 at just 10 years old, starring in the BBC series The Refugees alongside her father, Will Keen. The show ran for one season, but Dafne made it very clear she was more than a one-project wonder.
Her real breakout came soon after, when she was cast as Laura—the fierce, sharp-clawed child clone of Wolverine—in James Mangold’s Logan. Casting director Priscilla John knew instantly she was the one, praising her mix of innocence and vulnerability (a combo audiences immediately fell for). Released in 2017, Logan was both a critical and box-office hit and is now widely considered one of the greatest superhero films ever. Dafne’s performance earned her the Empire Award for Best Newcomer, along with multiple major nominations—no small feat when you’re acting opposite Hugh Jackman and still stealing scenes.
In 2018, she took on the lead role of Lyra Belacqua in the BBC/HBO fantasy series His Dark Materials. To prepare, Dafne reportedly read the entire book series “religiously” during her first two weeks on set—homework, but make it epic. The role cemented her status as a fantasy favourite across three seasons.
Next, she starred opposite Andy García in the comedy-drama Ana, which she filmed straight after Logan. Although the film faced delays and arrived in 2020 to mixed reviews, critics singled Dafne out for her charisma and screen presence, with some comparing her to a young Natalie Portman—casual, but impressive.
In 2022, Keen entered the Star Wars universe, joining Leslye Headland’s The Acolyte. Headland actually created the character Jecki specifically for Dafne after seeing her in Logan. To get into character, Dafne listened to David Bowie and even joked that her character looked a bit like him. The series premiered on Disney+ in 2024.
That same year, she shocked fans with a surprise return as Laura in Deadpool & Wolverine, officially bringing X-23 into the Marvel Cinematic Universe and reuniting her with Hugh Jackman. The film became her highest-grossing release, the second-biggest film of 2024, and the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time—no pressure.
Up next, Dafne is set to star in the horror film Whistle, directed by Corin Hardy, alongside roles in Jay Hernandez’s directorial debut Night Comes and the third season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. At this point, she’s not just growing up on screen—she’s quietly building a legendary career.
Facts and Trivia
When it comes to inspiration, Dafne Keen has seriously good taste. In interviews with British Vogue and The Untitled Magazine, she’s cited acting heavyweights like Gena Rowlands, Meryl Streep, Olivia Colman, Jennifer Lawrence, and Timothée Chalamet as major influences—basically a masterclass in talent across generations.
Her film favourites are just as eclectic. She loves classic musicals like Singin’ in the Rain, Oklahoma! and West Side Story; timeless comedies such as Some Like It Hot (and, in a modern twist, Daddy’s Home); and emotionally rich dramas including A Woman Under the Influence, Opening Night, and In the Mood for Love. In other words, her watchlist swings effortlessly from jazz hands to heartbreak—and she appreciates all of it.
Her Body Measurements
X23 err Dafne stands 5 feet, 3 inches and she rocks a 38-25-35 (34D bra size) figure.
Dafne Keen Photos
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