Millie Bobby Brown Reveals She Auditioned for X-23 in ‘Logan’

Millie Bobby Brown has shared that she once auditioned for the role of X-23 in Logan, the acclaimed 2017 superhero film featuring Hugh Jackman as Wolverine.

At the time, Brown was around 11 or 12 years old when she tested for the part of Laura, also known as X-23, a fierce young mutant pivotal to the story of ‘Logan’. She even had the chance to screen test with Hugh Jackman, making the experience unforgettable for her.

Brown expressed her thoughts about the audition candidly, stating, “I screentested with Hugh Jackman when I was like, 11 or 12… I felt like I probably didn’t get it, because I think there was someone else that was better.”

Ultimately, the role went to Dafne Keen, whose portrayal in ‘Logan’ became one of the film’s standout elements. Keen depicted Laura as a silent yet intense young mutant, and her emotional bond with Jackman’s Wolverine was central to the film’s narrative.

Directed by James Mangold, ‘Logan’ tells the story of an aging Wolverine living in seclusion while caring for ailing Professor X, played by Patrick Stewart. Their tranquil existence is disrupted when Laura arrives, pursued by dangerous adversaries. The film received widespread acclaim for its darker tone and emotional storytelling, with Keen’s performance frequently highlighted as exceptional.

Many fans and critics attribute Keen’s successful audition as a key factor in her landing the role. Patrick Stewart once remarked that it was, “one of the most extraordinary bits of audition tape I’ve ever seen in my life.” Her impressive audition reportedly swayed the casting team, leading to her selection over other strong candidates.

Reflecting on Brown’s audition presents an intriguing “what if” scenario in superhero casting history. At that time, she was still at the beginning of her career and had not yet gained fame for her breakout role as Eleven in Netflix’s Stranger Things. This role also showcased a similar emotional depth and physicality, leading many fans to believe she could have excelled as X-23.

Despite this, Brown’s career took a different trajectory. Following Stranger Things, she transitioned into significant film roles, including Godzilla: King of the Monsters, carving her own niche in Hollywood.

On the other hand, the X-23 role marked a defining moment for Dafne Keen, providing her with a major debut on the big screen and paving the way for future opportunities.

‘Logan’ is often regarded as one of the finest entries in the superhero genre, celebrated for its grounded narrative and emotional resonance. It chronicles Logan’s struggle to escape his past while being drawn back into conflict by Laura’s arrival, culminating in a final chapter for Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine that many fans deem perfect.

Brown’s revelation adds another dimension to the film’s legacy, illustrating how different the cast could have been for such an iconic movie.

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