The Fanning Effect: 7 Blockbuster Projects Solidifying Dakota And Elle's Hollywood Domination In 2024–2026

The name "Fanning" is dominating the Hollywood landscape in late 2024 and heading into 2026, not just as a pair of celebrated actresses, but as a producing force and a symbol of generational talent. Dakota and Elle Fanning, the sisters who began their careers playing the same character in *I Am Sam*, are now strategically choosing high-impact, conversation-starting projects that solidify their status as industry power players. This deep dive into their most recent and upcoming work—from major Netflix and Apple TV+ series to high-profile biopics and thrillers—reveals how their combined *Fanning Effect* is creating a new blueprint for Hollywood success.

Dakota and Elle Fanning: A Dual Biography and Career Milestones

The Fanning sisters, born in Conyers, Georgia, have followed a unique and parallel career path, moving from early child stardom to critically acclaimed adult roles. Dakota, the elder, paved the way, with Elle often playing the younger version of her sister’s characters before launching her own distinct trajectory.

Dakota Fanning (Hannah Dakota Fanning)

• Born: February 23, 1994, in Conyers, Georgia.
• Career Start: Began acting professionally at age five, with her breakthrough role in the movie *I Am Sam* (2001) at age seven.
• Key Early Roles: *Man on Fire* (2004), *War of the Worlds* (2005), *Charlotte's Web* (2006).
• Notable Adult Roles: *The Twilight Saga* (as Jane), *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood*, and the TV series *The Alienist*.
• Family Connection: Granddaughter of former NFL quarterback Rick Arrington and niece of ESPN reporter Jill Arrington.

Elle Fanning (Mary Elle Fanning)

• Born: April 9, 1998, in Conyers, Georgia.
• Career Start: Made her film debut in *I Am Sam* (2001) as the younger version of her sister's character.
• Key Early Roles: *Babel* (2006), *The Curious Case of Benjamin Button* (2008), *Somewhere* (2010).
• Notable Adult Roles: *Maleficent* (as Princess Aurora), *The Beguiled*, and the critically acclaimed Hulu series *The Great* (as Catherine the Great).
• Industry Status: Became a producer, notably on *The Great*, and is recognized for her fearless character choices.

The 7 Most Anticipated Fanning Projects (2024–2026)

The sisters are not only starring in major projects but are also leveraging their collective influence to produce prestige television. Their upcoming slate is a mix of high-concept thrillers, biopics, and provocative dramas, ensuring they remain at the forefront of cultural conversation.

1. Dakota Fanning in *The Watchers* (2024)

Dakota Fanning anchors the supernatural thriller *The Watchers*, which marks the directorial debut of Ishana Night Shyamalan, the daughter of M. Night Shyamalan. The film, which premiered in mid-2024, is an adaptation of the A.M. Shine novel. Fanning stars as Mina/Lucy, a 28-year-old American artist living in Galway, Ireland, who finds herself stranded in an expansive, untouched forest. She is then forced to take shelter with three strangers. The group is trapped in a mysterious bunker, where they are observed nightly by unseen, predatory creatures through a one-way mirror. The movie explores themes of surveillance, isolation, and the unknown, offering a fresh take on the psychological thriller genre.

2. Elle Fanning in *A Complete Unknown* (2024)

Elle Fanning is set to deliver a major performance in the Bob Dylan biopic, *A Complete Unknown*, starring opposite Timothée Chalamet as the legendary musician. Fanning plays the crucial role of Sylvie Russo, a character based on Dylan’s real-life first serious girlfriend, Suze Rotolo. Rotolo was a significant figure in Dylan's early career, inspiring many of his formative songs and appearing with him on the iconic cover of his 1963 album, *The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan*. Fanning's portrayal of this influential muse is one of the most anticipated elements of the film, which documents Dylan's controversial transition from folk music to electric rock in the mid-1960s.

3. Dakota Fanning in *The Perfect Couple* (2024)

Fanning joins a star-studded ensemble cast, including Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber, in the Netflix limited series *The Perfect Couple*. The series is based on the novel by Elin Hilderbrand and centers on a lavish Nantucket wedding where a dead body surfaces just before the vows. Dakota Fanning plays Abby Winbury, the wife of Wall Street executive Thomas Winbury (Jack Reynor), and a member of the powerful, unflinching Winbury family matriarch (played by Nicole Kidman). The show is a classic whodunit, mixing family drama, high society secrets, and a murder mystery on a picturesque island.

4. The Fanning Sisters' Paris Hilton TV Project (TBA)

Perhaps the most buzzworthy collaboration between the sisters is their upcoming A24 television series, which adapts Paris Hilton’s 2023 memoir, *Paris: The Memoir*. Both Dakota and Elle are attached as producers through their company, and initial reports suggested they would also star. While it was initially reported that the sisters would play Paris and her sister Nicky Hilton, the roles have not been officially confirmed, and there was speculation on which sister would play Paris. The project promises an unvarnished look at the life of the "original influencer," going beyond the public persona of "the glitz, the glam, the Chihuahuas in clothes." This project marks a significant step for the Fannings into the world of production and high-profile, pop culture-driven drama.

Elle Fanning’s Bold New Roles and Future Dominance

Elle Fanning continues to push the boundaries of her acting with roles that are both complex and culturally resonant, steering her career into new and unexpected territory.

5. Elle Fanning in *Margo's Got Money Troubles* (2026)

In a move that has generated significant online chatter, Elle Fanning is set to star in the Apple TV+ series *Margo's Got Money Troubles*, premiering in 2026. Fanning plays Margo Millet, a recent college dropout and aspiring writer who is struggling financially. The show, which also stars Michelle Pfeiffer and Nick Offerman, follows Margo as she finds a surprising path to financial stability: launching an OnlyFans account after an unexpected pregnancy. This role is a bold departure for Fanning, tackling sensitive, contemporary issues of the gig economy, motherhood, and online sex work with a blend of heart and humor.

6. Elle Fanning in *Predator: Badlands* (2025)

Adding a major tentpole franchise to her resume, Elle Fanning is slated to star in the new installment of the *Predator* franchise, titled *Predator: Badlands*, set for a 2025 release. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, who successfully revitalized the series with *Prey* (2022), this project is shrouded in secrecy. While plot details are scarce, Fanning’s involvement in a major sci-fi action franchise signals her versatility and ability to lead blockbuster cinema.

7. Dakota Fanning in *All Her Fault* (2025)

Dakota Fanning is also set for a major 2025 release with the thriller *All Her Fault*, an adaptation of the novel by Andrea Mara. She co-stars with Sarah Snook. The story centers on a child's disappearance from a suburban party, forcing a mother to confront her own long-held secrets and the guilt of her past. This project is poised to be another high-stakes, character-driven thriller for Fanning, showcasing her talent for intense dramatic roles. The combined career momentum of the Fanning sisters, with their diverse and high-profile projects across film and streaming, ensures that the "Fanning Effect" will remain a central force in Hollywood for years to come.