Kirsten Dunst has described her close relationship with Dakota and Elle Fanning as something beyond friendship, even calling herself the “third sister.” Their connection spans years and projects, including Elle and Kirsten’s collaboration in the 2017 period drama The Beguiled, and Kirsten’s initially planned involvement with Dakota on an adaptation of The Bell Jar before her departure in 2019. This long-standing friendship reflects their genuine support and deep understanding of each other.
Authenticity and Mutual Respect Among the Fannings and Dunst
For a Vanity Fair profile on Dakota and Elle Fanning, Kirsten Dunst praised the sisters for their intelligence and sincerity in the entertainment industry. She highlighted their sharpness and the way they navigate Hollywood with genuine self-awareness.
“They’re so smart—smarter than I was at this age.… But also, they’re real,”
Dunst said, acknowledging the Fanning sisters’ grounded nature amid fame.
“They understand the bulls—t of this industry.”
Kirsten also shared how Elle feels like a younger sister to her, though that lightness masks the depth they both carry internally.
“Elle feels like the younger sibling to me,”
she explained.
“She presents herself more unencumbered by things, but I think that’s deceiving. All three of us wear things pretty lightly when we present ourselves to the world, but there’s a depth. They’re very discerning, very intuitive. Nothing gets past those two.”
Michelle Pfeiffer Reflects on the Fanning Sisters’ Maturity
Actress Michelle Pfeiffer, who has worked alongside the Fannings, echoed Dunst’s admiration for the sisters’ maturity and poise in their craft. Pfeiffer noted how, despite their age difference, she feels no hierarchy in their relationship.
“I’ve never felt there was anything I could teach these two, ever. They’re a lot younger than me, but they feel like peers.”
Michelle Pfeiffer remarked.
Elle Credits Dakota for Her Career Development
Elle Fanning has publicly given credit to Dakota Fanning for being a protective and guiding presence throughout her career. Elle highlighted how Dakota’s protective nature influenced them both, even when that responsibility wasn’t always visible.
“Dakota was always there to protect me,”
Elle said.
“It’s molded both of us, the responsibility that she’s felt—that I don’t even know that she’s felt.”
The Fanning Sisters’ Upcoming Collaboration and Shared Growth
The sisters are preparing for their first time acting as scene partners in a joint project: an adaptation of Kirstin Hannah’s novel The Nightingale. Reflecting on their early desire to develop distinct identities in the industry, they now embrace their combined work more fully.
“When we were younger, we wanted to make sure that people saw us differently, and we wanted to give each other space to carve our own path,”
Elle shared.
“But as adults, it’s been very fulfilling to merge.”
Dakota added that despite their extensive careers, sharing scenes together is a new experience.
“We’ve literally never done a scene together, ever,”
she said.
Both sisters expressed hope for completing filming smoothly, with Elle adding facetiously about the possibility of laughter during the process.
“Better to get it out of your system now.”
The Significance of Their Unique Friendship and Career Paths
The enduring friendship among Kirsten Dunst and the Fanning sisters, combined with mutual respect and emotional support, highlights a rare bond in Hollywood. Their upcoming collaboration marks a meaningful milestone, offering fans a chance to see them interact professionally on screen for the first time. This shared journey also underscores their personal growth as they balance individuality with unity in their acting careers.
