Dakota Fanning: “I don’t feel competitive” with sister Elle

Hollywood siblings Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning may be connected closely in personal and professional ways, but they insist there’s never been rivalry between them.

“Zero. We obviously share a lot, but we’re very different," Dakota, 31, told Vanity Fair in a cover story with her younger sister, Elle, 27, published Tuesday, Sept. 16, when asked if they felt competitive. "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.”

Early Profession and Independent Paths

Both sisters started acting as children, launching in 2001’s I Am Sam—Dakota, then seven, starred along with Sean Penn and Michelle Pfeiffer, while Elle showcased a younger edition of Dakota’s character. Over the next two decades, their professional life developed independently, with each becoming a firm presence in Hollywood.

The Nightingale

Now, they are ready to co-star in the film adaptation of Kristin Hannah’s 2015 novel The Nightingale, which they additionally will produce too. The movie is scheduled for theater release in 2027.

“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 path,” Elle explained. “But as adults, it’s been very fulfilling to merge.”

Despite their sharing accomplishments, Elle credits Dakota as a guiding influence in her profession. “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.”

Release Details

The Nightingale chronicles two sisters who go through life in Nazi-occupied France during World War II and is set for release on February 12, 2027. Mirroring their collaboration, the sisters cited in 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."

Hollywood Friendships

Their friendship with Kirsten Dunst also emphasizes their close relationships in Hollywood. Elle and Kirsten starred together in 2017’s The Beguiled, while Dakota was originally connected to a different project with her. Elle explained the trio dynamic: “They’re so smart—smarter than I was at this age.… But also, they’re real. They understand the bulls—t of this industry.” Dakota added, “Elle feels like the younger sibling to me. She presents herself more unencumbered by things, but I think that’s deceiving. All three of us wear things pretty lightly when we present ourselves to the world, but there’s a depth. They’re very discerning, very intuitive. Nothing gets past those two.”

Praise From Mentors

Even Michelle Pfeiffer remarked and praised the sisters: “I’ve never felt there was anything I could teach these two, ever. They’re a lot younger than me, but they feel like peers.” Elle also admits Dakota’s protective influence: “Dakota was always there to protect me. It’s molded both of us, the responsibility that she’s felt—that I don’t even know that she’s felt.”

FAQs:

Q1. Who are Dakota and Elle Fanning?
They are sisters and popular Hollywood actresses. Both have started acting since childhood and continue successful film professions.

Q2. When did they start acting?
Both started as child actors. Their initial shared appearance was in I Am Sam (2001).