What Dakota Fanning Promised Elle Fanning Before The Nightingale

Elle Fanning will not be caged by her older sister Dakota Fanning.

The 27-year-old actor said his 31-year-old sister, Dakota, promised to keep their playful teasing to a minimum while filming their new movie, The Nightingale. The film is based on the 2015 novel of the same name by Kristin Hannah.

Elle told Zuri Hall of TopMob News at the 2026 Golden Globes on January 11th that her partner promised not to be controlling. She explained, ‘I need to be treated as an equal, like a colleague.’

However, Dakota clarified that her promise comes with conditions. When Zuri questioned her about it on Live From TopMob: Golden Globes 2026, Dakota playfully said Elle just needs to avoid being too irritating.

The Fannings are starring as sisters in their first film together, The Nightingale. This dramatic story follows two siblings as they struggle to survive in France while it’s occupied by Nazis during World War II, and it’s scheduled for release on February 12, 2027.

Elle shared with Zuri on the Golden Globes red carpet that the film, which she’ll also produce alongside her sister, has been in development for a couple of years and is now finally happening.

The star of Sentimental Value, who is up for Best Supporting Actress at the ceremony hosted by Nikki Glaser, sees this project as a major achievement for both herself and Dakota.

She told Vanity Fair that growing up, they both focused on establishing their individual identities and giving each other room to grow. However, as adults, they’ve found it incredibly rewarding to come together and combine their lives.

You know, I’ve been hearing a lot about ‘nepo babies’ lately, and honestly, I can relate! I always joke that I’m a ‘nepo sister’ myself. My career really got going after my older sister, Dakota, had her big break in the movie I Am Sam back in 2001. It’s just a funny way of acknowledging that having a family connection definitely opened some doors for me.

She joked that she definitely received audition opportunities, explaining that people would often give her a chance simply because of her connection to Dakota Fanning. They’d be curious to see what she could do because of who her sister was.

to see the Fanning sisters, as well as more stars at the 2026 Golden Globes, read on.