5 Reasons Why Elle Fanning Is The Reigning Queen Of Hollywood's New Era: From 'The Great' To The 2025 Red Carpet

The name Elle Fanning is currently dominating the Hollywood landscape, not just as a celebrated actress, but as a cultural icon whose influence spans from critically acclaimed television to the world's most exclusive fashion runways. As of December 2025, Fanning is navigating a pivotal new phase in her career, transitioning from her Emmy-nominated role as Catherine the Great to a slate of highly anticipated feature films and a series of viral red carpet moments that have cemented her status as a style muse. The spotlight on "Elle Fanning Elle" is brighter than ever, fueled by her recent work and her growing power as an executive producer.

This deep dive explores the actress's latest ventures, the unexpected end of her most iconic series, and the sophisticated evolution of her personal brand, providing the freshest, most up-to-date information on what the star is doing now and what to expect from her in 2026. Her ability to pivot between period drama, indie film, and high-fashion endorsements makes her one of the most compelling figures in entertainment today.

Elle Fanning: A Complete Biography and Career Profile

Mary Elle Fanning, known simply as Elle Fanning, has achieved a rare feat in Hollywood: a seamless transition from a successful child actor to a respected, powerful adult performer and producer. Her career trajectory is marked by a consistent commitment to complex and challenging roles, making her a favorite among auteur directors and major studios alike.

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• Full Name: Mary Elle Fanning
• Date of Birth: April 9, 1998
• Place of Birth: Conyers, Georgia, U.S.
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 27
• Sister: Dakota Fanning (actress)
• Career Debut: I Am Sam (2001), playing the younger version of her sister's character.
• Breakout Roles: Phoebe in Wonderland (2008), Somewhere (2010), Super 8 (2011), Maleficent (2014)
• Major TV Role: Catherine the Great in The Great (2020–2023)
• Recent Projects (2025/2026): A Complete Unknown, Margo's Got Money Troubles, Sentimental Value, The Predator: Badlands
• Production Company: Co-founder of Lewellen Pictures with sister Dakota Fanning.
• Current Relationship Status: Linked to Gus Wenner since late 2023.

The Post-'Great' Era: New Projects and Executive Power

The biggest news surrounding Elle Fanning's professional life in 2025 was her move to major new projects following the surprise cancellation of her beloved Hulu series, The Great. The Emmy-nominated historical comedy, where she played Catherine the Great opposite Nicholas Hoult, concluded after three seasons, a decision Fanning herself admitted was a "shock" to fans and the cast.

Despite the abrupt ending, Fanning has quickly filled her schedule with high-profile, diverse roles that showcase her range and topical authority in the industry. Her shift is a clear indication of an actress taking control of her narrative, notably through her production company, Lewellen Pictures.

The Highly Anticipated Upcoming Filmography

Fanning's immediate future is packed with films that are already generating Oscar buzz. This list of projects highlights her commitment to working with esteemed directors and taking on complex, real-life inspired characters:

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• A Complete Unknown: This musical biopic centers on Bob Dylan's early career. Fanning is set to play Sylvie Russo, a character described as a pivotal romantic interest and muse during Dylan's formative years in the New York folk scene. The role is seen as one of her most significant dramatic challenges to date.
• Margo's Got Money Troubles: This Apple TV+ limited series, where Fanning stars alongside the legendary Michelle Pfeiffer, has already released first-look images in late 2025. The show, based on a novel, marks her return to television in a major capacity and demonstrates her ability to attract A-list talent.
• Sentimental Value: A film that Fanning discussed at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025. She reflected on the "wild" process of shooting this project alongside the upcoming action-horror film, The Predator: Badlands, showcasing her ability to pivot between vastly different genres back-to-back.

This careful selection of roles—a musical biopic, a premium limited series, an indie drama, and a major franchise entry—proves that Fanning is strategically building a legacy that extends far beyond her early work as Princess Aurora in Maleficent.

The Fashion Queen: Elle Fanning's 2025 Red Carpet Dominance

In 2025, the phrase "Elle Fanning Elle" became synonymous with high-impact, viral fashion moments, frequently gracing the pages of *ELLE* magazine and other major fashion publications. Her appearances at the year's most prestigious events showcased a sophisticated style evolution, moving from whimsical ingénue to a powerful, modern Hollywood icon.

Her style is characterized by a blend of classic glamour and unexpected, modern twists, often favoring custom couture that highlights her statuesque figure and unique aesthetic. She has become a favorite of top-tier designers, proving her influence as a leading fashion entity.

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Five Iconic 2025 Red Carpet Moments

Fanning’s presence at the 2025 awards season was a masterclass in fashion, with several looks standing out as definitive moments of the year:

1. The Custom Pink Gucci Gown at the Governors Awards: In November 2025, Fanning wore a custom petal-pink, strapless Gucci gown that perfectly captured her polished, feminine style. The look was widely praised for its elegance and alignment with her personal brand.
2. Channelling Marilyn Monroe at the Gotham Awards: Attending the Gotham Film Awards, Fanning paid homage to classic Hollywood glamour in a breezy, white Ralph Lauren dress, drawing immediate comparisons to Marilyn Monroe's iconic style.
3. Sarah Burton's First Givenchy Design at the Oscars: Fanning made fashion history at the 2025 Academy Awards by wearing Sarah Burton's highly anticipated first design for the House of Givenchy. The gown was a major talking point, solidifying her status as a red carpet risk-taker and a designer muse.
4. The Dress-Over-Pants Revival: At a screening for Sentimental Value at the London Film Festival, Fanning successfully updated the early 2000s "dress-over-pants" styling trick. Her modern interpretation demonstrated her ability to make controversial fashion choices feel current and chic.
5. Twinning with Dakota at the Coach Dinner: While not a formal red carpet, her coordinated look with her sister Dakota Fanning at a Coach dinner in late 2025 was a sweet, stylish moment that captured the public's attention, reminding fans of their powerful sisterly bond and their joint venture, Lewellen Pictures.

These appearances are more than just outfits; they are strategic moves that keep Elle Fanning at the forefront of the cultural conversation, bridging the gap between her artistic endeavors and her commercial influence. Her consistent presence on "best-dressed" lists proves that her eye for fashion is as sharp as her acting instincts.

The Future: What's Next for the Lewellen Pictures Co-Founder

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, Elle Fanning is clearly focused on leveraging her star power into creative control. The formation of Lewellen Pictures with her sister, Dakota Fanning, is arguably the most significant development in her career, signaling a serious commitment to producing and developing her own projects.

This move allows her to shape the narratives she wants to tell, ensuring longevity and a more diverse portfolio of work. While fans mourn the end of The Great, Fanning's pivot to executive production and her demanding film schedule—including the complex, historical role of Sylvie Russo in A Complete Unknown—suggests that her most powerful and influential years are still ahead. Her transition is a case study in how a modern actress can maintain topical authority and relevance in a rapidly changing industry, moving seamlessly from the court of Catherine the Great to the center of Hollywood's new golden age.