Dakota Fanning is remembering her early days as she reunites with Denzel Washington during the screening of the upcoming film The Piano Lesson, which takes place on October 21, 2023. The film, adapted from August Wilson's 1987 play, features Danielle Deadwyler, Samuel L. Jackson, and John David Washington, son of Denzel. At the screening, Dakota expressed her admiration for the film on Instagram, saying, "[The Piano Lesson] blew my mind! Proud friend," sharing her joyful moment with Washington. Dakota and Washington first shared the screen nearly two decades ago in the action film Man on Fire, where she played the role of 9-year-old Lupita Ramos.
Dakota's bond with Washington is evident as he had previously praised her talent at such a young age, stating, "She’s a sweetheart... she’s just a joy to be around. You can’t not like her" (reported by IGN). This reunion marks not just nostalgia but celebration of both their careers, with Dakota excited about working with him again on the film The Equalizer 3, informing her fans on Instagram about the collaboration, calling him “a legend.” Her younger sister, Elle, chimed in on the celebration with excitement, labeling it as "the reunion to beat all reunions!!!!"
On another front, Dakota and Elle Fanning are making waves by transitioning to the television space, as they recently announced plans to adapt Paris Hilton’s memoir, Paris: The Memoir, for the screen. During the Emmy Awards held on September 15, 2023, Dakota expressed how incredible it feels to be friends with Hilton and work on her story: "I think if you told as little girls... we would have died" (reported by E! Live). The book delves deeply, exploring Hilton's experiences with ADHD, PTSD from boarding school abuse, and the pressures of fame and relationships.
The Fanning sisters, born and raised in Georgia, are excited to be involved with this project as Dakota shared the “pinch-me moments” they experience through their connection with the socialite. They’ve reported on their development phases, with Dakota emphasizing, "It’s early days, but we have gotten to know Paris and become friends with her". Their enthusiasm for sharing Hilton's narrative speaks to their passion for storytelling and representation.
Aside from their film and television endeavors, the Fanning sisters are venturing to establish their fashion line, with ambitions to rival the Olsen twins, who have successfully transitioned from Hollywood fame to the fashion industry with their brand, The Row. According to sources from Life & Style, Dakota and Elle are seeing more opportunities arise as the acting business becomes increasingly difficult for young women. The sisters have reportedly received support from their famous friends, with Dakota making calls to Kristen Stewart for advice and Elle sharing her close friendship with Angelina Jolie.
The uniqueness of their personal styles also adds to their entrepreneurial potential. Dakota is noted for her edgier looks, with Elle leaning toward more bohemian styles. Their shared stylist, Samantha McMillen, emphasizes how each sister takes elements from the other’s style to expand their fashion repertoire. McMillen observed, “They really love fashion and really go for it” throughout their projects.
With these projects underway, the Fanning sisters reflect on their shared bond, supporting and uplifting each other as they navigate their careers. Dakota, meanwhile, cherishes moments spent filming her latest project, Ripley, set against the backdrop of 1960s Italy, feeling proud of her work. "It’s been such an incredible experience... super fulfilling and watching it, I just am so proud," she expressed, highlighting their continuous growth and evolution as actresses.
With their ventures ranging from film to fashion, Dakota and Elle Fanning are embracing opportunities with excitement, and their friendship serves as the foundation for their success.
