Dakota Fanning and Elle team up to produce The Nightingale film

Show summary Hide summary

• 🔥 Quick Facts
• Sister Act Becomes Reality After Decades of Individual Success
• Budapest Production Kicks Into High Gear With Star Power
• The Story Your Favorite Book Stars Are Telling On Screen
• How Lewellen Pictures Built the Fanning Sisters Empire
• What Happens Next for the Fanning Sisters and Film Industry Impact?

Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning are finally making their first movie together. The sister duo is not only starring in the adaptation of Kristin Hannah’s beloved novel but also producing it through their company. Production started in Budapest just weeks ago, with a major theatrical release set for February 2027.

Sister Act Becomes Reality After Decades of Individual Success

Dakota and Elle have built impressive careers separately since childhood. Now they’re combining forces as both actors and producers on their most ambitious project yet. The Nightingale adaptation marks their first on-screen collaboration as adult performers. Prior attempts to film the story faced delays during the COVID-19 pandemic, but momentum finally shifted in 2025.

The project carries special significance beyond the professional milestone. Both sisters will play sisters in the film, bringing authentic chemistry to the central relationship. Their production company, Lewellen Pictures, handles day-to-day creative duties. This arrangement gives them unprecedented control over their material.

Budapest Production Kicks Into High Gear With Star Power

Principal photography commenced on March 29, 2026, in Budapest, Hungary, continuing through May. Director Michael Morris is steering the ambitious period drama set during World War II. The production has attracted major ensemble talent including Mark Rylance, Shira Haas, and Edmund Donovan.

Additional cast members recently announced include Albrecht Schuch, Douglas Hodge, Gwilym Lee, and Vinette Robinson. The expanding roster signals studio confidence in the material. TriStar Pictures acquired film rights years earlier and reignited the project for theatrical release.

The Story Your Favorite Book Stars Are Telling On Screen

Detail	Information
Release Date	February 12, 2027
Based On	Kristin Hannah novel, Reese Witherspoon Book Club selection
Lead Cast	Dakota Fanning (Vianne), Elle Fanning (Isabelle), Mark Rylance
Setting	German-occupied France during World War II

The Nightingale follows two sisters navigating survival during wartime. Vianne, the older sister, takes a cautious approach. Isabelle, the rebellious younger sister, fights back aggressively. The narrative explores how sisters resist occupation in vastly different ways. Hannah’s bestseller has resonated with millions of readers worldwide, making this adaptation one of the most anticipated literary adaptations.

“Elle and Dakota are also co-producing the Michael Morris-directed The Nightingale through their production company Lewellen Pictures.”

— People Magazine, Entertainment reporting

How Lewellen Pictures Built the Fanning Sisters Empire

Lewellen Pictures launched in March 2021 with a first-look television deal. The company has already produced content while the sisters juggled individual acting commitments. Elle has appeared in projects like The School for Good and Evil and voiced characters in animated features. Dakota earned critical acclaim in Ripley, receiving Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

Now both sisters are investing creative energy directly into producing and starring. The arrangement represents a significant evolution in their careers. Rather than simply accepting roles, they shape narratives from development through distribution. Production companies give performers leverage previously unavailable.

What Happens Next for the Fanning Sisters and Film Industry Impact?

With February 12, 2027 locked in as release day, anticipation builds among book fans and cinema audiences alike. The adaptation arrives nine years after the novel captured hearts as part of Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club. Industry observers will watch closely to see if Lewellen Pictures projects continue gaining traction post-release.

Beyond this film, can the sister team expand their production slate? Will other actresses and filmmakers seek partnerships with their company? The Fanning sisters have positioned themselves not merely as talent but as decision-makers. Their success with The Nightingale could reshape how young female performers approach career development. The theatrical release date marks only the beginning of what may become a significant industry presence.