Book lovers are ecstatic that Kristin Hannah’s novel The Nightingale is being brought to life on film with an impressive cast.
Sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning will be sharing the screen in the movie adaptation of the bestselling historical fiction novel.
“The Nightingale tells the stories of two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France ― a heartbreakingly beautiful novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the durability of women,” the book’s summary reads.
Keep scrolling for the latest casting updates about the movie:
Dakota Fanning is throwing it back to her younger years. “I Am Sam premiere 2001,” Fanning, 30, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, September 21. In the sweet snap, a then 7-year-old Fanning was all smiles as she rocked a yellow dress while walking the red carpet. “Always thinking of this tiny girl, and keeping her […]
Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning Were Cast in ‘The Nightingale’
Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning shared their excitement about working together on the film in July 2025.
“The Nightingale will be the first time we act on screen together. We have played the same character at different ages but have never spoken to each other in front of a camera. For years, we have looked for a film to do with one another and then this gem appeared,” they said in a joint statement. “As sisters, to share our artistry with each other while bringing such a powerful sister story to life is a dream come true. We are so lucky to have our fearless director, Melanie Laurent, to guide us along on the journey. Let’s do this, sister!!”
Elle will be portraying the character Isabelle, while Dakota will play Vianne, per IMDb. They both previously acted in 2001’s I Am Sam but did not appear on screen together, as they played the younger and older versions of the same character.
Dakota and Elle Fanning Emma McIntyre/Getty Images
Fans React to Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning’s ‘Nightingale’ Casting
Kristin Hannah excitedly shared the announcement via Instagram that her book was getting made into a movie.
“CHILLS! Such a perfect casting and what a beautiful story to be in together for the first time,” one person commented underneath the July 2025 post, as a second person wrote, “BEST NEWS EVER!!!!!!!!!!!”
“My favourite book!! I’m going to be re-reading again!! I’m guessing Dakota will be Vianne and Elle will be Isabelle 🥰,” a third person shared.
“This is exactly who I pictured when I was reading it. 👏 perfection,” a fourth person remarked.
When Will ‘The Nightingale’ Be Released?
Fans of the Fannings will have to wait a little bit longer to see Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning make magic on screen.
“Can we buy tickets now? For the first time ever, sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning are set to star in a film together, in the adaptation of Kristin Hannah’s global book phenomenon The Nightingale,” the official announcement on Hannah’s Instagram said. “Directed by Michael Morris, #TheNightingaleMovie is coming exclusively to theatres February 12, 2027.”
What Have Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning Said About the Film
During a March 2026 appearance on “Smartless,” Elle Fanning shared that The Nightingale would be the first time she and Dakota Fanning shared the screen.
“It’s about to happen in a month. We have never read a line together,” she said. “We have visited each other on set but we have never been on camera together other than me playing her young.”
Elle shared that she and Elle are “excited” to work together for the first time as adults.
“It’s stepping into the unknown a little bit. People who have worked with both of us say we work in a very different way, that we are extremely different on set,” she explained. “It’s not a bad thing, our energies are very different.”
The Sentimental Value actress added that the film was “still casting.”
