Nicole Kidman & Elle Fanning Team Up for Legal Thriller

Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning are collaborating again in the upcoming legal drama series Discretion, produced by A24. This project, based on a short story by New York Times bestselling author Chandler Baker, marks the fourth time these two actresses have worked together, continuing their successful professional partnership.

A New Legal Thriller Rooted in Real Experiences

Discretion is adapted from a short story that has not yet been published, written by Chandler Baker, who is known for novels such as Whisper Network and The Husbands. A24 acquired the story’s adaptation rights, and Baker herself is responsible for turning it into a screenplay. Set in Dallas, the narrative draws inspiration from Baker’s background as a corporate attorney, though specific plot details remain under wraps.

Multiple Adaptations of Chandler Baker’s Works in Progress

Besides Discretion, several other projects based on Baker’s writings are underway. Her novel The Husbands is being adapted by Amazon MGM, starring and produced by Kristen Wiig. Meanwhile, Cutting Teeth, another of Baker’s recent novels, is also in development for television. Additionally, her short story Oh. What. Fun. has been made into an Amazon Christmas comedy film featuring Michelle Pfeiffer and Eva Longoria in leading roles.

Exciting Career Movements for Kidman and Fanning

Discretion adds to an already impressive slate of upcoming projects for both actresses. Nicole Kidman is returning as Gillian Owens in the sequel Practical Magic 2, which has finished filming and is set for release in 2026. She is also involved in the third season of Big Little Lies and stars alongside Jamie Lee Curtis in Scarpetta, a show inspired by Patricia Cornwell’s novels.

Elle Fanning
Image of: Elle Fanning

Elle Fanning is set to appear in the latest Predator film titled Badlands and will play Effie Trinket in the Hunger Games prequel Sunrise on the Reaping. She will also produce and star with her sister Dakota Fanning in a film adaptation of the novel The Nightingale. Additionally, Fanning is cast alongside Sarah Paulson in I Am Sybil.

Proven Talent and Collaborative Strength Drive Anticipation

Both Kidman and Fanning bring accomplished acting careers to Discretion. Kidman has earned an Academy Award, two Primetime Emmys, and six Golden Globes, while Fanning’s acclaimed role in The Great has garnered a National Board of Review Award and nominations for an Emmy and multiple Golden Globes. Their previous collaborations include the critically praised The Beguiled by Sofia Coppola, which earned the director the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival. Although their alien rom-com How to Talk to Girls at Parties received mixed reviews, their on-screen chemistry remains well regarded.

Executive Production Roles Highlight Deeper Creative Involvement

Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning will not only star in Discretion but also serve as executive producers. Joining them in this role are Chandler Baker, Dakota Fanning, Brittany Kahan Ward of Lewellen Pictures, Per Saari representing Kidman’s Blossom Films, Susannah Grant, writer of Erin Brockovich, as well as Jordan Cerf and Joe Hipps from A24’s Cut To banner. The studio plans to begin actively shopping the series soon.

This latest collaboration is a significant announcement for fans of the Elle Fanning legal thriller genre, combining the talents of two celebrated actresses with a gripping story inspired by real-life legal work. The involvement of seasoned producers and a reputable studio like A24 further enhances expectations for Discretion’s success upon release.