7 Shocking Facts About Dakota Fanning And Elle Fanning's First-Ever Joint Movie And New Production Empire

As of December 2025, the Fanning sisters, Dakota and Elle, are on the cusp of a historic career milestone that has Hollywood buzzing: their first-ever on-screen collaboration as sisters in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Kristin Hannah’s novel, *The Nightingale*. After two decades of separate, successful careers, the sisters are finally uniting to bring the epic World War II story to life, a project that is not only a professional peak but also a deeply personal one, with filming set to commence in 2026. This joint acting venture is just the tip of the iceberg, however, as the sisters are simultaneously solidifying their power behind the camera with their new production company, Lewellen Pictures, and taking on fascinating new roles, including adapting the memoir of a global icon. From their surprisingly competitive fashion evolution to their candid thoughts on working together for the first time, this is the definitive, up-to-date look at the Fanning sisters' dual reign over Hollywood, revealing the fresh details you need to know right now.

Complete Biography & Dual Career Profile

Born just four years apart, Hannah Dakota Fanning and Mary Elle Fanning have been two of the industry's most recognizable faces since the early 2000s. Their parallel careers have seen them transition seamlessly from celebrated child stars to respected, award-nominated adult actresses and producers. The two were born in Conyers, Georgia, to parents Steven Fanning, a former minor league baseball player, and Heather Joy Arrington, a professional tennis player.

• Dakota Fanning (Hannah Dakota Fanning)
  • Born: February 23, 1994 (Age 31 in 2025)
  • Hometown: Conyers, Georgia
  • Breakout Role: Lucy Dawson in I Am Sam (2001) at age seven.
  • Major Career Highlights: War of the Worlds (2005), Charlotte's Web (2006), Jane Volturi in The Twilight Saga (2009–2012), Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), and the lead role as Sara Howard in the acclaimed series The Alienist (2018–2020).
  • Recent Work (2024/2025): Numerous public appearances and interviews while focusing on production work through Lewellen Pictures.
• Elle Fanning (Mary Elle Fanning)
  • Born: April 9, 1998 (Age 27 in 2025)
  • Hometown: Conyers, Georgia
  • Breakout Role: Played the younger version of Dakota's character in I Am Sam (2001).
  • Major Career Highlights: Super 8 (2011), Aurora in Maleficent (2014) and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019), and her Golden Globe-nominated, Emmy-nominated performance as Catherine the Great in the satirical series The Great (2020–2023).
  • Recent Work (2024/2025): Continuing work in production and her relationship with Gus Wenner, which began in late 2023.

"The Nightingale": Why Their First Joint Film Is Causing a Stir

The announcement that Dakota and Elle Fanning would finally share the screen as siblings in The Nightingale was a major Hollywood scoop confirmed by Sony Pictures in July 2025. This project represents a culmination of two decades of fans, critics, and the sisters themselves hoping for a true collaboration.

Playing Sisters for the First Time

The sisters will portray Vianne and Isabelle, two French sisters separated by the German occupation of France during World War II, each embarking on their own dangerous path to survival and resistance. Dakota will play the older sister, Vianne, while Elle will play the younger, Isabelle. This casting is a literal reflection of their real-life dynamic, adding a profound layer of authenticity to the emotional intensity of Kristin Hannah's novel.

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Despite their excitement, the sisters have been candid about the unique pressure of working together. In a January 2025 interview, Dakota admitted she felt "a little nervous" about the on-set dynamic, given their close personal relationship. Elle, in her characteristic witty style, joked that her main goal was simply to "try not to annoy" her older sister during the filming process, highlighting the playful but deeply supportive bond they share.

The film, which has been in development for several years, is slated to begin production in 2026. It is viewed as a major prestige picture, and the Fanning sisters’ involvement has instantly elevated its status as a must-watch cinematic event.

Beyond Acting: The Fanning Sisters' New Empire and Style Authority

The Fanning sisters are not just waiting for the next script; they are actively shaping their careers through their production company, Lewellen Pictures, which they co-founded. This move into producing gives them creative control and the ability to champion stories they are passionate about, marking a significant shift in their professional lives towards becoming true Hollywood power players.

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Producing and Adapting Paris Hilton's Memoir

One of the most surprising and intriguing projects under the Lewellen Pictures banner is the adaptation of Paris Hilton's memoir. Announced in 2024, the sisters, in collaboration with the critically acclaimed studio A24, are working to bring Hilton's story to the screen. This choice demonstrates their desire to tackle complex, high-profile, and culturally relevant material that goes beyond typical period dramas or blockbuster fare, showcasing their eclectic taste as producers.

The Unofficial 'First Daughters' of Fashion

Separately and together, Dakota and Elle Fanning have become two of the most influential figures in modern fashion, often referred to as 'The First Daughters of Hollywood Style.' Their aesthetic has evolved from the early days of matching, sweet red-carpet looks—the "Cinderella frocks" of their youth—to today's sophisticated, high-fashion couture.

While Dakota often favors classic, elegant silhouettes from designers like Valentino and Rodarte, Elle has become known for her unexpectedly avant-garde and ethereal glam, frequently collaborating with brands like Loewe and Miu Miu. Their style is a constant source of media fascination, and they often attend major events together, such as when they twinned at a Coach dinner in 2025 and prepared together for the 2025 Golden Globes, a moment Elle shared during a red-carpet interview.

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The sisters' public appearances, including their emotional "Spotlight Conversation" at TheWrap's 2024 Power Women Summit and their joint October 2025 Vanity Fair cover story, consistently emphasize their mutual support and deep sisterly bond, even as their individual careers continue to soar.

What’s Next for the Fanning Empire?

With The Nightingale set to begin filming in 2026, and their production slate at Lewellen Pictures growing, the Fanning sisters are entering a new, powerful phase of their careers. Their transition from beloved actresses to influential producers and tastemakers is complete. The future promises a wealth of compelling content, both in front of and behind the camera, solidifying the Fannings not just as two successful individuals, but as a formidable, unified force in the entertainment industry. Their journey is a powerful testament to the strength of sisterhood in the competitive world of Hollywood.