Elle Fanning is navigating a diverse cinematic landscape, currently starring in both the action-packed “Predator: Badlands” and the critically acclaimed drama “Sentimental Value.” The actress, who was a Cannes Film Festival juror at age 21, spoke about her roles and career trajectory in an interview published March 3, 2026, by Télérama.
Fanning’s latest project, “Sentimental Value,” directed by Joachim Trier, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and earned Trier the Grand Prix award. The film centers on a Hollywood star, Rachel Kemp, grappling with doubt and the possibility of leaving the industry. Fanning described the role as a chance to explore the complexities of an actress’s life, noting the parallels and divergences between herself and her character. “Rachel has been a child actress, like me, but she is at a stage where she seeks autonomy within the industry and questions her profession, which is not my case,” Fanning explained. She emphasized the collaborative process with Trier, praising his honesty and ability to draw nuanced performances from his actors.
The production of “Sentimental Value” involved a unique rehearsal process in Oslo, where the actors read scenes whereas being filmed by the cinematographer, allowing emotions to permeate the set. Fanning described Trier’s directorial style as attentive and insightful, noting his ability to identify subtle nuances in performance and guide actors toward deeper emotional resonance.
Alongside “Sentimental Value,” Fanning is also appearing in “Predator: Badlands,” a new installment in the long-running franchise. The film, released November 7, 2025, features Fanning as a synthetic—a sophisticated robot—who forms an unlikely alliance with a Predator. According to director Dan Trachtenberg, casting Fanning in the role allowed him to explore a unique narrative perspective, framing the Predator as the protagonist. Fanning herself described the experience as “kind of cool,” noting she is the first actor to portray a character befriending a Predator on screen. Filming took place in New Zealand.
Fanning expressed a desire to avoid being typecast, embracing roles that challenge her and allow her to surprise audiences. She cited Sofia Coppola, who directed her in “Somewhere” (2010) and “The Beguiled” (2017), as a significant influence, describing Coppola as a “member of the family” and praising her blend of gentleness, and determination. She also mentioned Nicolas Winding Refn (“The Neon Demon,” 2016) and her work with Disney on the “Maleficent” films (2014, 2019) as examples of her willingness to explore diverse projects.
Fanning also highlighted the influence of Nicole Kidman, with whom she is currently working on the Apple TV+ series “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” scheduled to premiere April 15, 2026. She shared Kidman’s mantra of “Try everything!” and cited her as a role model, alongside Michelle Pfeiffer and Kirsten Dunst. Fanning also acknowledged the importance of her sister, Dakota Fanning, in her career.
While the sisters have not yet shared the screen in a project, Elle Fanning indicated that a collaboration is a possibility in the future. She is also slated to appear in “Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” scheduled for release in November.
