7 Unmissable Projects: Elle Fanning's Explosive 2025 And Her Hollywood Evolution

As of December 10, 2025, Elle Fanning has cemented her status as one of Hollywood's most versatile and in-demand leading women, transitioning seamlessly from a celebrated child star to a powerhouse actress and producer. Her career momentum is undeniable, with a slate of major projects—from blockbuster action films to prestige television—dominating the cinematic landscape. She is not just acting; she is producing, curating a sophisticated public image, and defining the next phase of her already illustrious career.

This deep dive explores the current, up-to-the-minute details of her life, her most significant recent achievements, and the highly anticipated roles that will define her explosive 2025 and beyond. From the red carpets of the 2025 awards season to her upcoming role in a major sci-fi franchise, Fanning is proving that her talent knows no bounds, captivating audiences and critics alike.

Elle Fanning: A Complete Biographical Profile

Mary Elle Fanning was born on April 9, 1998, in Conyers, Georgia, U.S., making her 27 years old as of late 2025. She is the younger sister of actress Dakota Fanning, and her acting career began before she turned three, following in her sister’s footsteps. Her parents are Heather Joy (née Arrington), a professional tennis player, and Steven J. Fanning, a former minor league baseball player who now works as an electronics salesman. Fanning’s early life was quickly immersed in the film industry, starting with a powerful debut role.

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• Full Name: Mary Elle Fanning
• Date of Birth: April 9, 1998
• Age (as of late 2025): 27
• Place of Birth: Conyers, Georgia, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actress, Producer
• Notable Family: Dakota Fanning (Sister)
• Debut Role: The younger version of her sister's character, Lucy, in the film I Am Sam (2001).
• Breakthrough Role: Leading roles in films like Somewhere (2010) and Super 8 (2011).
• Franchise Role: Princess Aurora in Maleficent (2014) and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019).
• Major TV Role: Catherine the Great in the critically acclaimed series The Great (2020–2023).
• Recent Recognition: Attended the 2025 Governors Awards and walked the 2025 Oscars red carpet, highlighting her continued visibility in the industry.

The 2025 Powerhouse Slate: Fanning's Most Anticipated Projects

Elle Fanning’s work in 2025 showcases an incredible range, spanning high-octane action, historical drama, and contemporary comedy. She is actively diversifying her portfolio, moving beyond the period roles that brought her recent acclaim in The Great and embracing new cinematic challenges.

1. Predator: Badlands (2025)

One of the most talked-about projects of her current slate is the sci-fi action film Predator: Badlands, which is slated for a November 7, 2025, release. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, known for his work on Prey, this entry into the iconic Predator franchise promises a fresh, intense take on the alien hunter mythology. Fanning stars alongside Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, marking a significant departure into the action genre and proving her capability to lead a major studio tentpole. The buzz surrounding the film suggests it will be a major box office event, further solidifying her status as a bankable star.

2. Margo's Got Money Troubles (Upcoming TV Series)

Fanning is set to star in and executive produce the upcoming television adaptation of the popular book, Margo's Got Money Troubles, alongside the legendary Michelle Pfeiffer. This collaboration is a massive win for Fanning, showcasing her growing power behind the camera as a producer. She plays the titular Margo, a pregnant college dropout who becomes entangled in a world of financial schemes. The series is a highly anticipated project, with a first official look unveiled in late 2025, promising a sharp, contemporary dramedy that serves as a stark contrast to her work on The Great.

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3. A Complete Unknown (2024/2025 Awards Season)

Fanning’s role in director James Mangold's Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, has been a central focus of her 2025 awards season appearances. While the film itself was a 2024 release, its critical reception and subsequent buzz carried well into the 2025 awards circuit. Fanning plays a significant role in the film, which explores Bob Dylan's early career and his attitude toward celebrity. Her involvement in such a high-profile, critically-driven project demonstrates her commitment to working with esteemed directors and tackling complex, character-driven material.

4. Sentimental Value (Festival Darling)

The film Sentimental Value has been making the rounds at major international festivals in 2025, including the BFI London Film Festival and TIFF. Fanning’s performance in the film, where she discusses themes of sisterhood and life-changing experiences, has garnered significant attention. Her promotional work for this independent film, including interviews at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, highlights her dedication to both studio projects and smaller, more personal cinematic endeavors, often collaborating with veterans like Stellan Skarsgård.

Beyond the Screen: Fashion Icon and Topical Authority

Elle Fanning is not only a celebrated actress but also a recognized figure in the high-fashion world, often dominating the red carpet with her unique, whimsical, and sophisticated style. Her fashion choices are a key component of her topical authority, generating significant media coverage and cementing her status as a style icon.

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The Art of Red Carpet Dressing

Fanning’s collaboration with her longtime stylist, Samantha McMillen, has resulted in some of the most memorable red carpet moments of 2025. She is known for her reverence for design and her willingness to experiment with looks from both established and emerging fashion houses. Her style is frequently described as a blend of Old Hollywood glamour and playful modernity, often featuring voluminous silhouettes and soft color palettes.

• 2025 Oscars: Fanning made headlines by wearing Sarah Burton's highly-anticipated first design for Givenchy, a white lace dress that was hailed as one of the best looks of the entire press tour.
• Governors Awards: She appeared at the 2025 Governors Awards in a stunning petal-pink confection, showcasing her penchant for polished, feminine elegance.
• MoMA Film Benefit: At the 2025 Museum of Modern Art Film Benefit, honoring her frequent collaborator Sofia Coppola, Fanning carried a distinctive Chanel Egg Clutch, demonstrating her flair for accessories and designer statements.

She consistently champions major fashion houses, including Rodarte, Valentino, Miu Miu, Gucci, and Balmain, making her a perennial presence on 'best-dressed' lists. Her fashion narrative is as compelling as her filmography, making her a complete entertainment entity in the modern media landscape.

The Legacy of The Great and Future Collaborations

While The Great concluded its run, Fanning’s Emmy-nominated performance as Catherine the Great remains a cornerstone of her career. The series established her as a formidable comedic and dramatic actress capable of carrying a major prestige show. Her future work, particularly the co-starring and co-producing role in Margo's Got Money Troubles with Michelle Pfeiffer, shows a clear path toward greater creative control and collaboration with other Hollywood legends. Furthermore, her continued professional relationship with director Sofia Coppola, which began with Somewhere and includes recent commercial collaborations for Roku Gin, highlights a pattern of fruitful, long-term artistic partnerships. Elle Fanning’s 2025 is not just a year of new releases; it is a strategic step in an already brilliant career, proving her status as a true Hollywood star.