Elle Fanning Is Teaming Up With Sister Dakota In The Nightingale — And She Can't Wait
Book lovers are buzzing as Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale takes flight on the big screen, with real-life sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning finally teaming up to play the estranged siblings at the heart of the WWII drama.
We are finally getting the Fanning sisters in the same movie, and it is not a tiny indie. Kristin Hannah's blockbuster novel 'The Nightingale' is headed to the big screen, with Dakota and Elle sharing actual scenes for the first time. Yes, it took this long.
What 'The Nightingale' is about (and who plays who)
Hannah's story tracks two very different sisters trying to survive in Nazi-occupied France, each pushed onto her own perilous path toward survival, love, and some version of freedom. It is a big, emotional wartime saga that doubles as a tribute to women who endure and outlast. Casting- wise: Elle is set to play Isabelle and Dakota will play Vianne (per IMDb ). Fun bit of trivia: both were in 2001's 'I Am Sam,' but they never shared the screen there — they just played the same character at different ages.
The sisters on finally teaming up
Back in July 2025, they announced the project together and were very clear about how much this means to them.
'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. 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, Melanie Laurent, to guide us along on the journey. Let's do this, sister!!'
So... who is directing?
This part has shifted. In 2025, the sisters shouted out Melanie Laurent as the director. Later, the official announcement from author Kristin Hannah's Instagram named Michael Morris as the director. Projects change hands; this one clearly did behind the camera.
When you can see it
Hannah's Instagram made it official: the movie is scheduled to open exclusively in theaters on February 12, 2027, with Michael Morris directing.
Where things stood as of spring 2026
Elle told the 'Smartless' podcast in March 2026 that, remarkably, she and Dakota had never even read a line together yet, but that was about to change within a month. She also said people who have worked with both sisters say their on-set energies are very different — not in a bad way, just different — and that the film was still casting at that point. Translation: they were on the runway and picking the rest of the ensemble.
Fans are already in
When Hannah posted the news in July 2025, the comments were exactly what you think: a lot of chills, a lot of 'best news ever,' people planning a re-read, and more than a few saying Dakota-as-Vianne and Elle-as-Isabelle is exactly how they pictured it. This is one of those book-to-film pairings that feels pre-approved by the readership.
Quick timeline
- 2001: Dakota and Elle both appear in 'I Am Sam,' but never share scenes (they play the same character at different ages).
- July 2025: The sisters announce 'The Nightingale' will be their first true on-screen collaboration and shout out director Melanie Laurent; roles line up as Elle/Isabelle and Dakota/Vianne (per IMDb). Kristin Hannah posts the movie news on Instagram and fans go wild.
- March 2026: Elle says on 'Smartless' they have not read together yet but will within a month; notes their different working styles; adds the film is still casting.
- Release plan: Per Hannah's announcement, 'The Nightingale' is set to hit theaters exclusively on February 12, 2027, with Michael Morris directing.