Elle Fanning is gearing up for an exciting new chapter in her career, marking her first collaborative project with her sister Dakota. In a candid interview, Elle expressed her determination to balance their sibling dynamics while filming, noting that she will “try not to annoy” Dakota during production. This film, an adaptation of Kristin Hannah’s bestselling novel The Nightingale, will showcase the sisters portraying siblings growing up in France during World War II, a fitting backdrop for their onscreen chemistry.
First Official Collaboration
In an exclusive chat with TooFab, 27-year-old Elle Fanning highlighted the significance of working alongside her older sister Dakota for the first time on screen. While they have shared the screen before—Elle depicted a younger version of Dakota’s character in I Am Sam—The Nightingale will be their inaugural project as adult co-stars. “We must treat each other like fellow actors,” Elle emphasized, signaling her commitment to professionalism despite their familial bond.
Adjusting on Set
As they prepare to dive into this project, Elle recognizes the need to alter certain aspects of her approach. During the Los Angeles premiere for her film Sentimental Value, she shared that both sisters are aware of the challenges they might face, particularly Dakota’s revelation that she plans to tone down her “bossy” older sister demeanor on set. In response, Elle cheerfully quipped, “She better,” reinforcing their mutual respect as they transition into their new roles as co-stars.
Leveraging Their Sibling Connection
Despite the hurdles, Elle believes their sibling relationship will enhance their performances. “The thing is, we are playing sisters,” she noted. “So, we can use it in our characters. But you know on set, I don’t know, I’ll try not to annoy her.” Their lifelong connection could serve as a powerful tool as they navigate their roles in the film.
The Journey to the Big Screen
Both Fanning sisters began their illustrious careers at a young age, with Dakota famously breaking into Hollywood with her stint in I Am Sam and Elle making her debut at just two years old. Now, in their thirties and with decades of experience under their belts, fans are eager to see them share the screen in a capacity that allows both to showcase their skills, diving deeper into each other’s acting methods.
Reflecting on their previous lack of collaboration, Elle humorously remarked, “Never, we have to get over that.” It’s clear that the excitement of working together, combined with their lifelong bond, will make The Nightingale a remarkable cinematic experience.
Scheduled for release on November 7, Sentimental Value—which also features talents like Stellan Skarsgård—is poised to deliver a heartfelt narrative. Elle discussed her belief in the therapeutic aspects of acting, saying, “I think playing many characters over the years have healed things in me that I didn’t expect.” This sentiment speaks to her dedication as an actress and hints at the emotional depth viewers can expect from her upcoming projects, especially as she navigates the unique experience of working with Dakota.
