Millie Bobby Brown has revealed that she auditioned for the role of X-23 in Logan, admitting she was left heartbroken after losing the part that ultimately went to Dafne Keen.
Millie Bobby Brown Reflects on a Missed Marvel Opportunity
July 03, 2026 – Before becoming a global star through Stranger Things, Millie Bobby Brown came close to joining another major franchise. The actress recently shared that she auditioned for the role of X-23, also known as Laura Kinney, in 2017’s Logan alongside Hugh Jackman.
Brown made the revelation while appearing in a game of “Lie Detector” with her Enola Holmes 3 co-star Louis Partridge. During the conversation, she admitted that she screen-tested for the role when she was just 11 or 12 years old.
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Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty; Taylor Hill/FilmMagic
She Screen-Tested With Hugh Jackman
Brown explained that the audition process went beyond a standard casting call. She recalled performing scenes opposite Hugh Jackman during the screen test, making the opportunity even more memorable.
Despite feeling excited about the role, Brown said she sensed she would not be cast. Looking back, she admitted the experience left her feeling “broken” after learning she had missed out on the part.
The Role Eventually Went to Dafne Keen
The part of Laura Kinney ultimately went to Dafne Keen, whose performance in Logan received widespread praise from both critics and audiences.
Keen’s portrayal introduced X-23 to the big screen and became one of the film’s standout performances. She later reprised the character in Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine, bringing Laura Kinney back into the spotlight years after her acclaimed debut.
Missing Logan Didn’t Slow Her Career
Although losing the role was disappointing, Brown’s career quickly took off in another direction. Around the same period, she gained worldwide recognition as Eleven in Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things.
The success of the sci-fi drama turned Brown into one of Hollywood’s biggest young stars. She later expanded her résumé with leading roles in the Enola Holmes films, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Godzilla vs. Kong, Damsel, and The Electric State.

Credit: Marvel
Why the X-23 Role Was So Significant
When Logan premiered in 2017, it marked Hugh Jackman’s final outing as Wolverine after nearly two decades in the role. The film introduced Laura Kinney, also known as X-23, as a young mutant whose relationship with Logan became the emotional heart of the story.
The character quickly became a fan favorite, making the casting decision especially significant. While Millie Bobby Brown came close to landing the role, Dafne Keen’s performance ultimately helped establish X-23 as one of the most memorable new characters in the X-Men universe.
What This Reveals About Hollywood Casting
Brown’s revelation offers a rare glimpse into Hollywood’s highly competitive casting process. Even actors who go on to achieve international success often audition for major roles that ultimately go to someone else.
Stories like this highlight how casting decisions can shape careers in unexpected ways. While Brown missed the opportunity to play X-23, the experience became part of her journey before she found worldwide fame, proving that one unsuccessful audition doesn’t define an actor’s future.
Could Millie Bobby Brown Join Marvel in the Future?
Although Brown didn’t land the role of X-23, many fans believe a Marvel debut could still be in her future. Over the years, her name has frequently surfaced in fan casting discussions for various Marvel characters, thanks to her versatility and growing experience in blockbuster films.
Neither Brown nor Marvel Studios has confirmed any future collaboration. However, with the Marvel Cinematic Universe continuing to introduce new heroes and storylines, many viewers remain hopeful that she will eventually become part of the franchise.
Dafne Keen’s X-23 Continues to Shine
Dafne Keen’s portrayal of Laura Kinney was widely praised for capturing the character’s emotional depth and fierce determination. Her chemistry with Hugh Jackman became one of Logan‘s defining strengths, helping the film earn critical acclaim as one of the best superhero movies ever made.
Keen’s return in Deadpool & Wolverine also reignited interest in X-23, introducing the character to a new generation of Marvel fans. Her comeback demonstrated the lasting popularity of the role that Brown once hoped to play.
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Millie Bobby Brown Looks Ahead
Brown has often spoken about learning from both successes and disappointments throughout her career. While losing the role of X-23 was difficult at the time, it became just one chapter in a journey that soon led to international stardom.
Today, she continues to expand her career as an actress and producer, taking on projects across film and television. Her recent revelation offers fans a fascinating glimpse into one of Hollywood’s biggest “what if” casting stories.
A Reminder That Every Audition Matters
Brown’s story highlights how even the most successful actors experience rejection early in their careers. Missing out on Logan ultimately didn’t prevent her from becoming one of Hollywood’s most recognizable young stars.
At the same time, the revelation gives fans a new perspective on the casting process behind one of Marvel’s most celebrated films. While Dafne Keen made X-23 her own, Brown’s candid reflection reminds audiences that every major role has a story behind it.
FAQs
Which role did Millie Bobby Brown audition for in Logan?
She auditioned for the role of Laura Kinney, also known as X-23, in the 2017 film Logan.
Who was cast as X-23 in Logan?
The role ultimately went to Dafne Keen, whose performance received widespread critical acclaim.
Did Millie Bobby Brown audition with Hugh Jackman?
Yes. Brown revealed that she screen-tested with Hugh Jackman during the casting process.
How did Millie Bobby Brown react after losing the role?
She said she was “broken” after learning that she had not been cast as X-23.
Has Millie Bobby Brown joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
No. As of July 2026, Brown has not appeared in a Marvel Studios project.
Published by HOLR Magazine

