Dakota Fanning dishes on competing with sister Elle Fanning

Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning, the powerhouse Hollywood sisters, as fellow actresses, never feel competitive with each other.

In Vanity Fair's cover story with Dakota and her younger sister, Elle, published on Tuesday, September 16, the actress revealed whether the duo ever feels competitive.

“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 Fanning sisters started acting at a young age, both debuting in the 2001 film I Am Sam. Dakota, then seven, starred alongside Sean Penn and Michelle Pfeiffer, while Elle played her character’s younger version.

“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 shared about working with Dakota. “But as adults, it’s been very fulfilling to merge.”

For over two decades, their careers took separate paths, with each becoming a screen staple. Now, they reunite for The Nightingale, Kristin Hannah’s 2015 novel adaptation, slated for release in 2027.

Both Elle and Dakota will not only star but also serve as producers.

Although both sisters found success as young adults, Elle admitted she still prefers following Dakota’s lead. “I just want to do everything she does,” she shared.

Quipping that she is a “nepo sister,” Elle acknowledged opportunities often came because she was Dakota Fanning’s sibling.

TriStar Pictures confirmed in July that The Nightingale will premiere on Feb. 12, 2027.

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