Dakota and Elle Fanning Embrace Differences as Sisters and Prepare for First Film Together
“I just want to do everything that she does,” Elle said. “I’m a nepo sister.”
In Hollywood, sibling actors often face comparisons, competition, and constant speculation about rivalry. However, for Dakota and Elle Fanning, the story has been different from the start.
Both sisters have built successful careers, each establishing herself as a respected performer, yet without allowing industry pressures to drive a wedge between them. Instead, they have carved out distinct paths—while maintaining a close bond that is now leading them to their first major collaboration on screen.
In a new cover story with Vanity Fair, Dakota, 31, reflected on her relationship with her younger sister, Elle, 27, and dismissed any notion of competition between them.
“Zero. We obviously share a lot, but we’re very different,” Dakota said. “So I don’t even see something that’s right for her as being right for me. I don’t feel competitive. But I know that people probably don’t believe that.”
The sisters' careers have been intertwined since childhood. Both appeared in 2001's I Am Sam—Dakota as the daughter of Sean Penn's character, and Elle in flashbacks as a younger version of Dakota's role. From there, they each went on to define their own careers.
Dakota became one of Hollywood's most prominent child actors and transitioned into adult roles with acclaimed performances in films such as War of the Worlds and The Runaways.
Elle, meanwhile, came into her own as a leading actress in projects like The Great, Maleficent, and more recently, Sentimental Value, which premiered at Cannes in 2025.
Despite their parallel success, Elle emphasized that their careers never felt like a contest. In fact, she admitted to often following Dakota's lead.
“I just want to do everything that she does,” Elle said. “I’m a nepo sister. Of course, I got opportunities because people are like, 'Oh, it’s Dakota Fanning’s sister. We’ll see her audition.'”
Their paths, which remained separate for more than two decades, are now coming together in The Nightingale, an adaptation of Kristin Hannah's bestselling 2015 novel.
The film, set for release on Feb. 12, 2027, from TriStar Pictures, follows two sisters in France during World War II as they cope with the Nazi occupation. Both Dakota and Elle are starring in and producing the movie—a project they have been attached to since 2019.
“We have played the same character at different ages, but have never spoken to each other in front of a camera. For years, we have looked for a film to do with one another, and then this gem appeared,” the sisters told The Hollywood Reporter at the time of the initial announcement.Sibling dynamics in the entertainment industry can be complex. Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship expert, highlights that sibling relationships often mirror friendships, marked by deep emotional connections and shared experiences.
However, she notes that these bonds can become strained under public scrutiny. Solomon emphasizes the importance of communication and mutual support to navigate these challenges effectively.
By engaging in open dialogues about their careers and individual aspirations, Dakota and Elle can maintain their closeness while fostering independent identities, which is crucial in a competitive field like Hollywood.
Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning
Inez and Vindoodh / Vanity FairLooking back on their childhood, Elle said the sisters were mindful of creating space for each other as they grew in the industry.
“When we were younger, we wanted to make sure that people saw us differently, and we wanted to give each other space to carve our own paths,” she explained. “But as adults, it’s been very fulfilling to merge.”Beyond their upcoming collaboration, both sisters remain busy with their own careers. Dakota recently appeared in the 2025 thriller Vicious, as well as The Watchers and the Netflix adaptations The Perfect Couple and Ripley in 2024.
Elle is fresh off the success of Sentimental Value, a drama gaining awards season buzz ahead of its November 7 theatrical release. She has also been announced as the new lead in the next Hunger Games prequel, taking over a role connected to Elizabeth Banks' Effie Trinket.
Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning on Jan. 5, 2025.
Eric Charbonneau/UTA
As their careers continue to evolve, Dakota and Elle are proving that sibling success doesn’t have to mean sibling rivalry. With The Nightingale on the horizon, their shared project may not only mark a new chapter in their professional journeys but also highlight the enduring strength of their relationship.
For Dakota, the formula is simple: respect the differences, celebrate individuality, and support each other’s success. And as Elle put it best, the secret is embracing their bond without competition—an approach that has kept them close from the start.
Navigating Public Perception
In the realm of sibling actors, public perception often plays a critical role. According to Dr. Michele Weiner-Davis, a marriage and family therapist, managing public expectations can lead to unnecessary stress.
She suggests that creating a personal brand that emphasizes individuality can counteract comparisons and foster a healthier dynamic. Dakota and Elle can benefit from focusing on their unique strengths in interviews and appearances, highlighting what sets them apart rather than what binds them together.
By doing so, they can cultivate a supportive atmosphere that uplifts their individual accomplishments while celebrating their sisterhood, ultimately leading to greater professional satisfaction.
Practical Steps for Healing
The journey of Dakota and Elle Fanning illustrates the intricate balance between personal ambition and familial support in Hollywood. Experts like Dr. Gary Chapman emphasize that fostering healthy relationships requires understanding and appreciation of each other's differences.
As the sisters embark on their first film together, their ability to embrace individuality while nurturing their bond will be crucial. Open communication, as advocated by countless therapists, will allow them to navigate the pressures of fame while maintaining their close relationship.
Their story is a reminder that success in the industry doesn’t have to come at the expense of personal connections.
