Elle Fanning on empowerment, sisterhood, and finding her voice

Elle Fanning discusses her Hollywood journey, sisterhood, empowerment, and collaborations.

Elle Fanning, well-known for her roles in films and TV series, recently discussed her journey in Hollywood, her relationship with her sister Dakota, and her work with female directors in an interview with GLAMOUR. Reflecting on her experiences, Fanning expressed how working with director Sofia Coppola at a young age inspired her to see her own potential. "It was inspiring to see her at the helm of this big movie. I just remember as an 11-year-old girl being like, ‘Maybe one day I can do that,’” she told GLAMOUR.

In 2021, Elle and Dakota Fanning launched their production company, Lewellen Pictures. This venture allowed Elle to executive produce and star in the TV series The Great, and co-produce the upcoming docuseries Mastermind: To Think Like a Killer. The docuseries focuses on the FBI's Ann Burgess, who worked with sexual assault survivors in the 1970s and 1980s. “She was a trailblazer… She was a woman in a man's world and had to break through that,” Elle explained.

Elle highlighted the importance of female-led stories and the influence of working with women like Coppola. "To have that experience being led by a woman, and Sofia no less, who's just such a brilliant artist and auteur,” she said. “Her interpretation of girlhood and growing up through that coming-of-age lens… she's always done that so beautifully.”

Most recently, Elle collaborated with Coppola on a campaign for The House of Suntory. Reflecting on their professional and personal relationship, Elle said, “She’s one of my closest friends... Our relationship has been so beautiful because it has changed as I've got older.”

Elle also emphasized the significance of her bond with her sister Dakota, calling her a role model and confidant. "She gives the best advice. She's very wise. She's very honest," Elle shared, adding that Dakota often helps articulate her creative ideas.

Elle Fanning is set to star alongside Timothée Chalamet in the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, portraying a character based on Suze Rotolo. Discussing her role, she praised Chalamet's dedication, noting, “He's singing everything live, like he's really going for it.”

Mastermind: To Think Like a Killer is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ on July 11.