Dakota and Elle Fanning to Star in Kristin Hannah Adaptation ‘The Nightingale’—Their First On‑Screen Collaboration

In a landmark moment for cinema, sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning are set to star together for the first time on screen in TriStar Pictures’ adaptation of Kristin Hannah’s internationally acclaimed novel The Nightingale. The project, which officially began development in 2015, has evolved through several directors before landing with Michael Morris directing from a screenplay by Dana Stevens and production by The Cantillon Company, Lewellen Pictures (Dakota and Elle’s company), and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine. In The Nightingale, the Fanning sisters portray Vianne Mauriac (Dakota) and Isabelle Rossignol (Elle), two French siblings navigating survival, resistance, betrayal, and sacrifice under German occupation in World War II France.

The story closely follows Kristin Hannah’s narrative, inspired in part by real-life French Resistance figures like Andrée de Jongh. The movie is scheduled to arrive in theaters on February 12, 2027—a strategic release timed with Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day weekend, and the Super Bowl to attract broad audiences. Though both actresses have appeared in the same film previously—Elle played a younger version of Dakota’s character in 2001’s I Am Sam—they never shared screen time until now.

The sisters issued a joint statement expressing their excitement: “This will be the first time we act on screen together… as sisters, to share our artistry with each other while bringing such a powerful sister story to life is a dream come true. ”. Dakota, now 31, and Elle, 27, co-produce the film through their company Lewellen Pictures, which holds a first‑look deal with Civic Center Media/MRC Television; they are collaborating with producers Elizabeth Cantillon and Reese Witherspoon’s team.

Kristin Hannah’s novel, published in 2015, has sold over 4 million copies and been translated into dozens of languages, ranking #1 on the New York Times bestseller list multiple times. After a long period of delays—including director changes and pandemic-related halts—production officially resumed with Morris attached and release set for early 2027. The characters in the film retain their emotional depth from the novel.

Vianne is a mother and schoolteacher who stays behind to protect her child after her husband is drafted; Isabelle, the younger sister, joins the Resistance and smuggles airmen across the Pyrenees, risking execution. The narrative explores themes of sisterhood, resilience, and moral courage. Dakota, reflecting on her bond with Elle in a recent interview, noted they have always supported each other and never felt competitive, despite their different temperaments.

Elle echoed that sentiment, describing the project as a dream come true and emphasizing how rare it was to find a film in which they could share scenes together. Both are accomplished actresses: Dakota has starred in films like War of the Worlds, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and the Netflix series Ripley (for which she received a Golden Globe nomination in early 2025). Elle’s credits include Maleficent, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and recent acclaimed projects like Sentimental Value and A Complete Unknown, which earned her a National Board of Review Award.

The creative team behind The Nightingale includes Dana Stevens—whose screenplay credits include The Woman King—and Mélanie Laurent was originally attached in 2019 but departed before production resumed under Morris. Elizabeth Cantillon remains a lead producer, along with Brittany Kahan Ward and Hello Sunshine’s executive team. The film is currently in pre-production, with no trailer yet released and additional cast members still under wraps.

Fans and observers of both actresses have been eagerly awaiting their collaboration; many have highlighted its symbolic resonance, given the story’s emphasis on sisterly love, shared hardship, and mutual sacrifice. The historical setting of Nazi‑occupied France adds weight to the sibling dynamic, highlighting different yet complementary paths taken by women of the era. The Nightingale’s resurrection after years of delays reflects Hollywood’s trust in the material and in the Fannings' involvement: both bring star power, production experience, and personal commitment to the story.

As the Feb 2027 release approaches, anticipation continues to build—not only to see the sisters finally acting together, but to witness a beloved novel brought to life with authenticity and emotional depth.