Real-life sisters Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning have signed up to do a movie together, where they’ll play on-screen siblings in the film adaptation of Kristin Hannah’s best-selling 2015 novel The Nightingale.
It’s the first time they’ll act alongside each other.
“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,” Elle wrote on her Instagram.
“As sisters, to share our artistry with each other while bringing such a powerful sister story to life is a dream come true. We are so lucky to have our fearless director, Mélanie Laurent [from Inglorious Basterds], to guide us along on the journey. Let’s do this, sister!!”
Films where they played the same character include I Am Sam (2001) and mini-series Taken (2002). Elle also filmed scenes as the “future granddaughter” of Fern Arable (played by Dakota) in Charlotte’s Web, but the scenes didn’t make the final cut.
The Nightingale is about two French sisters on the eve of World War II, as they struggle to survive the German occupation of France and resist Nazi rule. The story was inspired by the courageous women of the French Resistance who helped downed Allied airmen escape Nazi-occupied territory and hid Jewish children. Dakota and Ell will play estranged sisters Vianne and Isabelle.
Elle has previously worked with director Laurent in 2018’s Galveston.
Production on The Nightingale is expected to start in the Spring of 2020.