Elle and Dakota Fanning’s First Movie Together Comes With an Ironic Twist

Real-life sisters play sisters in long-awaited WWII drama, set for 2027 release

Dakota and Elle Fanning are officially set to co-star on screen for the first time in “The Nightingale”, TriStar Pictures’ adaptation of Kristin Hannah’s bestselling novel. The film, which follows two sisters navigating survival in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, is scheduled to hit theaters Feb. 12, 2027 — just in time for Presidents Day weekend and Valentine’s Day.

Based on Hannah’s global phenomenon, “The Nightingale” centers on siblings Vianne and Isabelle, who take separate but dangerous paths during the war: one joins the French Resistance, while the other tries to protect her family under the strain of Nazi occupation. The story draws inspiration from real women of the French Resistance and has sold over 11 million copies worldwide, according to Deadline.

In a joint statement, the sisters shared, “The Nightingale will be the first time we act on screen together. 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.”

The film, directed by Michael Morris, is produced by Elizabeth Cantillon, the Fanning sisters, Brittany Kahan Ward, and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine. Dana Stevens penned the screenplay, per reports.

Fans React to the Fanning Sisters’ Long-Awaited Team-Up

After years of acting in separate projects, fans are celebrating the Fannings’ long-awaited on-screen collaboration. The official “Nightingale” movie Instagram account announced the release date with the caption, “Can we buy tickets now? For the first time ever, sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning are set to star in a film together.”

Comments poured in from excited followers, with one asking, “Who’s playing who?!?!?! WHICH SISTER IS PLAYING WHICH SISTER,” while another wrote, “Dakota and Elle… FINALLY! And in an RBC adaptation. Is it 2027 yet?”

Even Lewellen Pictures, the sisters’ joint production company, chimed in with a comment: “The most exciting news ever! 💗”

Though both actresses appeared in “I Am Sam” back in 2001 — with Elle portraying the younger version of Dakota’s character — “The Nightingale” will be their first time sharing the screen as co-leads. The project was first announced in 2019 but faced several delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With filming now back on track, the film’s strategic release date aims to draw in female audiences over a competitive weekend that also includes the Super Bowl.

A Sister Story On and Off Screen

The casting is especially meaningful given the Fanning sisters’ real-life relationship. From their childhood performances in Georgia to running their own production company, Elle and Dakota have maintained a close bond through the years. “We’re very different, but we’re very connected,” Dakota told Shape, adding, “There’s no one I want to succeed more in this business than my sister.”

Elle has echoed that sentiment, calling Dakota her “closest person” and adding, “She can sniff anything out of you… that dynamic is so special and unique.”

Both have spoken openly about how personal this project feels. “The story is completely a sister story. That’s the heart of it,” Elle told Entertainment Tonight.

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