Fanning Sisters Debunk Rivalry in Vanity Fair Cover Story

Lead: In a Vanity Fair cover story released September 16 in New York, Dakota and Elle Fanning revealed they feel “zero” competition with each other and announced they will co-produce and co-star in their first film together, The Nightingale.

Nut Graf: The sisters, who each launched acclaimed acting careers as children, shared candid reflections on fame’s impact and outlined their upcoming collaboration adapting Kristin Hannah’s World War II novel, underscoring Hollywood’s enduring fascination with “nepo” talent.

Key Insights:

• Dakota, 31, emphasized that she and her 27-year-old sister are “very different” and don’t view one another’s roles as competing opportunities.
• Elle admitted she’s followed Dakota’s lead throughout her career, joking that she’s a “nepo sister” who benefits from Hollywood’s perception of their bond.

First Joint Production

The sisters confirmed they will co-produce and star in The Nightingale, slated for theatrical release February 12, 2027. The film follows two French sisters resisting Nazi occupation during World War II, marking the first time Dakota and Elle will share on-screen dialogue.

Childhood Reflections

Recounting a 2019 Halloween video, Dakota laughed at her own “bossy” childhood demeanor, while Elle recalled feeling both adoration and exasperation toward her older sister. They credited mutual support and clear boundaries for navigating child stardom without the pitfalls many peers face.

Industry Perspective

By steering clear of sibling rivalry narratives, the Fannings aim to challenge assumptions about “nepo” influence. Their collaborative project underscores a growing trend of established actors leveraging family ties to expand creative control in Hollywood.