They were the kids who grew up in front of our eyes, but somehow, they never crashed. No rehab stints. No leaked tapes. No public meltdowns on Sunset Boulevard. Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning are basically the anomalies of Hollywood.
If you grew up in the early 2000s, you remember Dakota as the "old soul" child who could out-act Robert De Niro and Denzel Washington before she hit double digits. Then came Elle, the ethereal younger sister who started as "Young Dakota" and ended up becoming a fashion icon and an Emmy-nominated powerhouse in her own right.
But here’s the thing: despite being two of the most famous siblings on the planet, they’ve almost never shared the screen. That’s about to change.
The Myth of the Fanning Rivalry
People love a good "sister vs. sister" narrative. For years, tabloids tried to find cracks in the foundation. Was Elle jealous of Dakota’s early start? Is Dakota bitter about Elle’s recent awards sweep for The Great?
Honestly? It’s pretty boring if you're looking for drama. They’re actually each other's biggest fans.
Elle recently joked about binging Dakota's latest series, All Her Fault, and Dakota has been a constant fixture at Elle’s premieres. They’ve spent twenty years intentionally keeping their careers separate to avoid being a "gimmick." They wanted to be seen as individual actors, not a package deal.
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That’s why the news about The Nightingale is such a massive deal.
Finally Sharing the Screen in 2027
After years of development hell and pandemic-related delays, the Fanning sisters are finally filming their first real movie together. The Nightingale, based on Kristin Hannah’s massive bestseller, is slated for a February 12, 2027 release.
It’s not just a cameo. They’re playing sisters—Vianne and Isabelle—living through the German occupation of France during WWII.
"It’s a milestone for my sister and I to work together," Elle shared at the Academy Museum Gala in late 2025. "We’ve been attached to it for a while and finally the schedule is going to work out."
It’s poetic. Elle’s very first acting gig was playing the younger version of Dakota in I Am Sam (2001). Now, they’re finally standing face-to-face as equals. Michael Morris is directing, and if you’ve seen his work on To Leslie, you know he’s going to lean hard into that raw, sisterly chemistry.
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Two Different Paths to the Top
While they share the same DNA (and those famous blue eyes), their "vibes" as actors couldn't be more different.
Dakota Fanning has always felt grounded. She has this stillness. Whether she’s playing a terrifying vampire in Twilight or a gritty investigator in Ripley, there’s a precision to her work. She doesn't overact. She just is.
Elle Fanning, on the other hand, is a chameleon of energy. She can go from the whimsical Aurora in Maleficent to the chaotic, hilarious Catherine the Great without breaking a sweat. Recently, she’s been collecting "Vanguard" awards and Golden Globe nods like they're trading cards. Her performance in Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value—which hit the festival circuit in 2025—is being hailed as a career-high.
Recent Projects You Probably Missed
- Elle’s Dual Role: In Predator: Badlands, Elle pulled a "Parent Trap" (sort of) by playing synthetic twins, Thia and Tessa.
- Dakota’s Apple TV Era: Dakota just signed on to headline a high-stakes political thriller for Apple TV, where she plays an undercover treasury agent.
- The Production Powerhouse: They aren't just waiting for the phone to ring. Through their company, Lewellen Pictures, they are producing projects like Margo’s Got Money Troubles.
The "Normalcy" Factor
Why do we still care about them in 2026?
Because they represent a version of fame that feels sustainable. They both skipped the "messy" phase. They survived the transition from child star to adult actor, which is historically a graveyard for careers.
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They also have a weird, royal connection. It was discovered a few years back that they are actually distant descendants of King Edward III. It explains the poise, I guess.
But mostly, it’s about the work. They are two of the few actors who seem to care more about the craft than the "clout."
What You Should Do Next
If you want to catch up on the Fanning cinematic universe before they collide in 2027, start here:
- Watch "Ripley" on Netflix: Dakota gives a masterclass in subtle suspicion. It’s arguably some of her best work in years.
- Binge "The Great": If you haven't seen Elle's comedic timing, you're missing out. It's foul-mouthed, brilliant, and heartbreaking.
- Read "The Nightingale": Seriously. Read the book before the movie comes out. It’ll make the 2027 premiere way more emotional when you see them on screen together for the first time.
- Keep an eye on "Sentimental Value": This Joachim Trier film is going to be a major player in the 2026-2027 awards season.
The Fanning sisters have spent two decades proving they don't need each other to succeed. That’s exactly what makes their upcoming collaboration so much more than just a marketing stunt. It's a victory lap.