10 Shocking Facts About Dakota Fanning's Sister, Elle Fanning: Her Career Peak, New 2025 Movies, And First-Ever Film With Dakota

For years, she was known simply as "Dakota Fanning's little sister," but Mary Elle Fanning, professionally known as Elle Fanning, has masterfully carved out a powerful, distinct, and critically acclaimed career that has now arguably placed her on the same—if not a higher—pedestal than her older sibling. As of late 2025, Elle Fanning is experiencing a significant career surge, headlining major film festivals and blockbuster franchises. Her journey from playing the younger version of Dakota’s characters to becoming a formidable Hollywood powerhouse is a fascinating study in navigating child stardom with grace and ambition.

This article dives deep into the life and explosive 2025 career updates of Elle Fanning, uncovering the latest details on her high-profile film projects, her unshakeable bond with Dakota, and the highly anticipated first time the Fanning sisters will officially play siblings on screen. The fresh information and recent interviews paint a picture of an actress who is just hitting her stride as a producer and leading lady, proving she is a major force in the entertainment industry today.

Elle Fanning: A Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Dakota Fanning's sister, Mary Elle Fanning, has one of the most remarkable and consistent filmographies of any actress of her generation. Her career began before she was three years old, setting the stage for a decades-long presence in Hollywood that has only grown stronger with time. Here is a comprehensive look at her life and professional journey:

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• Full Name: Mary Elle Fanning
• Date of Birth: April 9, 1998
• Age (as of late 2025): 27 years old
• Place of Birth: Conyers, Georgia, U.S.
• Parents: Heather Joy Arrington (professional tennis player) and Steven J. Fanning (minor league baseball player and electronics salesman).
• Sibling: Hannah Dakota Fanning (older sister, actress).
• Early Career Debut: She made her film debut in 2001's I Am Sam, playing the younger version of her sister Dakota's character, Lucy Diamond Dawson.
• Breakthrough Independent Role: Her performance in 2011's Somewhere, directed by Sofia Coppola, earned her international recognition.
• Major Franchise Role: Starring as Princess Aurora in Disney's Maleficent (2014) and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019).
• Recent High-Profile TV Role: Catherine the Great in the Hulu series The Great (2020–2023), which earned her Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy nominations.
• Current Partner: She is in a relationship with Gus Wenner.

Elle Fanning’s initial roles were almost entirely defined by her sister's success, often playing the younger version of Dakota’s characters. However, she quickly branched out, establishing a reputation for taking on complex, challenging roles in both independent cinema and major studio productions, working with auteur directors like J.J. Abrams, Sofia Coppola, and Nicolas Winding Refn. This diverse filmography has cemented her status as a versatile and serious actress.

Elle Fanning’s Explosive 2025 Career: New Films and Festival Acclaim

The year 2025 marks a definitive high point for Elle Fanning, showcasing her range across critically acclaimed dramas and major action franchises. Her presence on the festival circuit and in high-profile studio projects highlights a strategic shift toward more mature and demanding roles. This recent output demonstrates her commitment to challenging the industry’s perception of her.

Sentimental Value: The Critically Acclaimed Festival Hit

One of Elle Fanning’s most talked-about projects of the year is the Joachim Trier-directed drama, Sentimental Value. The film premiered to significant buzz at the Cannes Film Festival and was also a major feature at the BFI London Film Festival in September 2025. Fanning's performance in the family drama was praised for its warmth and spontaneity, with the actress noting that the production environment made the experience feel "limitless." The film’s release in August 2025 positioned her as a serious contender during the awards season, further solidifying her transition into prestige cinema.

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Predator: Badlands and the Blockbuster Future

In a stark contrast to the indie drama, Fanning is also set to star in the upcoming installment of the iconic sci-fi franchise, Predator: Badlands. Footage and featurettes, including a 2025 'One Actor Two Minds' featurette, have begun circulating, generating massive excitement for her role in the action-horror film. This project, directed by Dan Trachtenberg, demonstrates Fanning's ability to anchor a massive tentpole film, proving her versatility extends beyond period dramas and independent features. The combination of a major festival darling and a highly anticipated blockbuster in the same year is a rare feat, signaling her arrival as a top-tier Hollywood leading lady.

The Nightingale: The Fanning Sisters’ First On-Screen Reunion

Despite growing up together in the Hollywood spotlight, the Fanning sisters have famously never starred in the same movie as siblings until now. The highly anticipated film adaptation of Kristin Hannah’s novel, The Nightingale, will finally see Dakota and Elle Fanning share the screen, playing sisters Vianne and Isabelle.

The project has been in development for some time, and the recent updates suggest the production is moving forward, with both sisters serving as producers on the film. Elle Fanning has spoken about the unique experience of bringing their real-life sisterhood to the screen, noting the profound connection they share will undoubtedly translate into their on-screen performances. This collaboration is not just a major career milestone for both of them, but it’s a moment fans have been waiting for since their childhood debuts. Dakota and Elle were recently seen enjoying the US Open Men's Finals together in September 2025, a public display of their close bond that fuels the anticipation for their joint project.

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The Fanning Sisterhood: Zero Competition, Total Support

The relationship between Elle and Dakota Fanning defies the typical narrative of sibling rivalry in Hollywood. Despite their parallel careers, they have consistently maintained that there is "zero" competition between them. Their bond is one of mutual support and deep understanding, having navigated the unique challenges of child stardom together. They frequently discuss their close relationship in joint interviews, including a recent cover story for *Vanity Fair* where they opened up about their personal lives and their sisterly dynamic.

A famous anecdote that perfectly captures their protective sisterhood involves Elle Fanning spitting a drink at a man who was mistreating Dakota. This story, shared by Dakota, illustrates the fierce loyalty that underpins their professional and personal lives. As they step into their roles as co-stars and co-producers on *The Nightingale*, their genuine, non-competitive relationship is expected to be a major asset, adding an authentic layer to the portrayal of sisterly love and conflict in the film.

Elle Fanning: The Style Icon and Producer

Beyond her acting roles, Elle Fanning has also developed a reputation as a major style icon. Her fashion choices on the red carpet, particularly at prestigious events like the Cannes Film Festival, are consistently praised for their elegance, whimsy, and bold originality. She is known for embracing classic Hollywood glamour while often adding a playful, contemporary twist to her ensembles.

Furthermore, her move into producing, particularly with *The Nightingale*, signals a new phase in her career. By taking creative control behind the camera alongside her sister, Elle Fanning is demonstrating a desire to shape the narratives she is a part of, moving from being solely an actress-for-hire to a key creative force in Hollywood. This dual role—as a celebrated actress and an emerging producer—is a strong indicator of her long-term vision for her career, ensuring her influence in the industry will continue to grow for decades to come.