The Unstoppable Duo: 5 Ways Elle Fanning And Nicholas Hoult Are Conquering Hollywood Post-'The Great'

The dynamic co-star relationship between Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult has captivated audiences worldwide, primarily through their satirical and tumultuous portrayal of Catherine the Great and Emperor Peter III in the acclaimed Hulu series, The Great. As of December 2025, the biggest news surrounding the pair is the official end of their reign, following the series' cancellation after three brilliant seasons, a decision that both actors have publicly addressed with fondness and reflection. While the doors to the Russian court have closed, the professional paths of these two powerhouse actors are diverging into some of the most anticipated film projects of the year, cementing their status as two of Hollywood's most versatile and in-demand stars.

This article dives deep into the latest updates, explores the profound legacy of their collaboration, and details the exciting, high-profile projects that are defining their careers in 2025, proving that their partnership, though off-screen, remains one of the industry’s most compelling.

Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult: Comprehensive Biography and Profile

Despite their incredible on-screen chemistry, Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult maintain a close, supportive professional friendship, often described as having "big brother energy," a dynamic that has been nurtured over years of working together. Here is a detailed look at the two stars:

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Elle Fanning (Catherine the Great)

• Full Name: Mary Elle Fanning
• Born: April 9, 1998
• Birthplace: Conyers, Georgia, USA
• Nationality: American
• Known For: Her breakout role in I Am Sam (2001) as a child, Super 8 (2011), Maleficent (2014) as Princess Aurora, and her Emmy-nominated performance as Catherine in The Great.
• Family Connection: Younger sister of actress Dakota Fanning.
• Recent Highlights (2025): Attending the 2025 Gotham Awards and preparing for her major biopic release.

Nicholas Hoult (Emperor Peter III)

• Full Name: Nicholas Caradoc Hoult
• Born: December 7, 1989
• Birthplace: Wokingham, Berkshire, England, UK
• Nationality: British
• Known For: Gaining early recognition as Marcus Brewer in About a Boy (2002), playing Beast in the X-Men series, Nux in Mad Max: Fury Road, and his Golden Globe-nominated role as Peter III in The Great.
• Career Versatility: Known for his ability to command diverse roles across genres, from blockbuster action to dark comedy.
• Recent Highlights (2025): Starring in the highly-anticipated gothic horror film, Nosferatu.

The End of an Era: The Great Cancellation and Legacy

One of the most significant pieces of news for fans, affectionately known as the 'Huzzah' crowd, was the announcement that Hulu’s critically acclaimed historical comedy, The Great, would not be returning for a fourth season. This news, confirmed in late 2024 and addressed by the stars in early 2025, marked the conclusion of one of the most unique and celebrated series of the decade.

The show, which loosely follows the rise of Catherine the Great and her complex relationship with her husband, Emperor Peter III, was a massive critical success, earning numerous Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for its satirical tone and the brilliant performances of its leads.

The Unforgettable Chemistry of Catherine and Peter

The show’s core appeal rested on the volatile, yet deeply intimate, relationship between Fanning's ambitious Catherine and Hoult's chaotic, charming Peter. Their dynamic, which evolved from mutual hatred to a twisted, passionate love, was the emotional engine of the series. The cancellation leaves a powerful legacy, showcasing the rare synergy between two actors who could seamlessly blend high-stakes drama with anarchic comedy. Fanning herself reflected that the show had "Too Many Brilliant Moments," highlighting the quality of the work they accomplished together.

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Despite the disappointment of no The Great Season 4, the series remains a landmark in both their careers, a testament to their daring choices and ability to carry a complex narrative. The show is frequently cited as a modern classic of period satire.

Diverging Paths: Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult's Major 2025 Film Projects

While their joint project has concluded, both Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult are headlining massive individual film releases in 2025, demonstrating their individual star power and continued commitment to working with visionary directors on challenging material. This simultaneous release period is a strong indicator of their career momentum.

1. Nicholas Hoult’s Gothic Transformation in Nosferatu

Nicholas Hoult is set to star in one of the most anticipated horror films of the year: Robert Eggers' (of The Witch and The Lighthouse fame) gothic remake of Nosferatu. In this dark and atmospheric film, Hoult plays Thomas Hutter, the newly minted estate agent who encounters the terrifying Count Orlok (played by Bill Skarsgård).

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• Role: Thomas Hutter, a central figure drawn into the vampire's web.
• Director: Robert Eggers, known for his meticulous detail and commitment to historical accuracy and atmosphere.
• Co-Stars: Bill Skarsgård, Lily-Rose Depp, Willem Dafoe, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

This role is a significant pivot from the comedic timing of Peter III, showcasing Hoult’s dramatic range and his willingness to dive into challenging, visually distinct cinema.

2. Elle Fanning’s Musical Biopic Turn in A Complete Unknown

Elle Fanning is making a substantial impact in the music biopic genre, starring opposite Timothée Chalamet in James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown, a film chronicling the early life and rise of Bob Dylan.

• Role: Sylvie Russo (based on Suze Rotolo), a significant figure in Bob Dylan's early life and a muse for some of his most famous works.
• Director: James Mangold, the director behind successful biopics like Walk the Line and Ford v Ferrari.
• Co-Stars: Timothée Chalamet (as Bob Dylan), Edward Norton, and Monica Barbaro.

Fanning’s performance as the artist and activist Suze Rotolo is highly anticipated, offering her a chance to explore a complex, real-life character and further demonstrate her maturity as a leading actress.

3. The Future of Collaboration: Will They Work Together Again?

While The Great has ended, the strong professional rapport between Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult suggests that a future collaboration is highly likely, even if their current paths are focused on individual blockbusters. Their shared history on two projects—initially in the 2014 film Young Ones, and then for three seasons of The Great—indicates a genuine enjoyment and respect for each other’s craft.

The industry often values proven chemistry, and the Catherine and Peter dynamic is one of the most successful examples of the last few years. As both actors continue to seek out diverse and challenging roles, the possibility of a third, completely different project—perhaps a modern thriller or a romantic comedy—remains a tantalizing prospect for fans and casting directors alike. Their shared experience of navigating the cancellation of their flagship show in 2025 further solidifies a professional bond that could easily lead to another "Huzzah!" moment down the line.