7 Unforgettable Milestones: Why Elle And Dakota Fanning's 2025 Is Their Biggest Year Yet

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The Fanning sisters, Dakota and Elle, are currently at a pivotal moment in their careers, transitioning from celebrated child stars to powerful Hollywood producers and leading women. As of December 2025, the buzz surrounding the sisters is at an all-time high, driven by major, high-profile projects, shared red carpet moments, and the long-awaited announcement of their first-ever joint film. Their strategic career moves—balancing blockbuster franchises with critically acclaimed prestige television and independent films—have solidified their status as one of the industry's most respected and fascinating sibling duos.

This year has proven to be a defining chapter for both actors, not just for their individual achievements, but for their burgeoning collaborative work through their production company. From Dakota Fanning’s foray into the horror genre with *Vicious* to Elle Fanning’s major action role in *Predator: Badlands*, their filmographies in 2025 showcase immense versatility. However, the biggest news remains the confirmation of their joint film, a project that fans and critics have anticipated for over two decades.

The Fanning Sisters: A Complete Biography and Profile

The Fanning sisters represent a rare Hollywood dynasty, having successfully navigated the challenges of child stardom to achieve sustained, adult success. Their personal and professional lives are intrinsically linked, beginning with Elle’s first role playing the younger version of Dakota’s character.

  • Dakota Fanning (The Elder Sister)
    • Full Name: Hannah Dakota Fanning
    • Born: February 23, 1994 (Age 31 as of late 2025)
    • Birthplace: Conyers, Georgia, U.S.
    • Parents: Steven Fanning (former minor league baseball player) and Joy Fanning (former professional tennis player).
    • Breakout Role: Lucy Dawson in I Am Sam (2001), earning her a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination at age seven.
    • Iconic Recent Role: Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019).
  • Elle Fanning (The Younger Sister)
    • Full Name: Mary Elle Fanning
    • Born: April 9, 1998 (Age 27 as of late 2025)
    • Birthplace: Conyers, Georgia, U.S.
    • Parents: Steven Fanning and Joy Fanning.
    • Breakout Role: Playing the younger version of Dakota’s character in I Am Sam (2001), followed by her own leading role in Phoebe in Wonderland (2008).
    • Iconic Recent Role: Empress Catherine the Great in the critically acclaimed series The Great (2020-2023).

The Long-Awaited Collaboration: Starring in 'The Nightingale'

The biggest news in the Fanning universe came in July 2025 with the joint announcement that Dakota and Elle Fanning would officially star together for the first time as sisters in the film adaptation of Kristin Hannah’s novel, *The Nightingale*.

This project has been a source of intense curiosity for years. While Elle played the younger version of Dakota's character in I Am Sam, they have never shared a scene as co-stars until now. The film, set during World War II, tells the story of two French sisters fighting to survive and resist the German occupation.

The anticipation is palpable, especially considering the emotional depth required for the roles. In a November 2025 interview, Dakota Fanning, who is older and more established, admitted to feeling "a little nervous" about working with her younger sister on such an intense project. This vulnerability highlights the unique pressure of finally fulfilling a career dream while maintaining their close personal relationship. The sisters have often spoken about their emotional connection, with Dakota noting that she still gets emotional watching Elle's transformative performances.

Beyond acting, the sisters are also building a business empire. They co-founded their production company, Lewellen Pictures, named after their childhood nickname, "Lewellen." The company, which they discussed at TheWrap's 2024 Power Women Summit, is a vehicle for them to take control of their narratives and develop projects that align with their vision, including their teased Paris Hilton TV project.

Individual Career Trajectories: Blockbusters and Prestige Projects in 2025

While *The Nightingale* is a shared milestone, both Elle and Dakota Fanning have maintained incredibly busy schedules in 2025, demonstrating their commitment to diverse and challenging roles.

Dakota Fanning: Horror, Drama, and Thrillers

Dakota Fanning’s 2025 slate shows a clear move toward darker, more suspenseful material. Her major release is the horror film *Vicious*, directed by Bryan Bertino (known for *The Strangers*). This project marks a significant genre shift for Fanning, who is better known for dramas and literary adaptations. The intense trailer for *Vicious* has generated considerable buzz, promising a chilling performance.

In addition to horror, Fanning is set to star in the drama series *All Her Fault* in 2025, alongside Sarah Snook and Michael Peña. This series, based on a popular novel, is expected to be a major television event, further cementing her presence on streaming platforms following her success in other limited series. These roles highlight her ability to anchor complex, character-driven narratives across both film and television.

Elle Fanning: Action, Comedy, and Indie Acclaim

Elle Fanning, fresh off her celebrated run as Catherine the Great in *The Great*, is making a bold leap into the action blockbuster world. Her most anticipated 2025 release is *Predator: Badlands*, the latest installment in the long-running *Predator* franchise, scheduled for a November 2025 release.

Fanning herself has noted that starring in a huge action movie by a major franchise is a major departure from her previous work, like the period comedy-drama *The Great*. This strategic pivot shows her intention to prove her versatility in high-stakes, tentpole films. Simultaneously, she is balancing this action role with the independent film *Sentimental Value*, directed by Joachim Trier, which premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. This dual approach—blockbuster and indie—is a hallmark of a modern, successful Hollywood career.

The Enduring Power of the Fanning Sisterhood

Beyond their professional endeavors, the Fanning sisters continue to be a staple of high-profile social and fashion events, often appearing together. Their close bond is evident in their rare but celebrated joint appearances, which serve as a reminder of their shared journey from childhood to global stardom.

In 2025 alone, they were seen together at the Golden Globes, where Elle revealed that Dakota and their grandmother helped her prepare for the night. They also attended a Coach x event and enjoyed the US Open Men's Finals in New York City in September 2025, showcasing their impeccable and often coordinated, yet distinct, personal style. These moments underscore the powerful, supportive dynamic between the two actresses.

The Fanning sisters’ 2025 filmography and business ventures confirm that they are no longer just actresses; they are influential creators and producers shaping the future of cinema. With *The Nightingale* finally bringing them together on screen, and Lewellen Pictures giving them creative control, their combined topical authority and box office power are set to define the next decade of Hollywood sister acts. Their commitment to challenging roles, from period empresses and Manson family members to action heroes and horror leads, ensures that both Dakota and Elle Fanning will remain at the forefront of the industry for years to come.

elle and dakota fanning
elle and dakota fanning

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