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Dakota Fanning Says She Doesn't 'Feel Competitive' with Sister Elle Fanning: 'We're Very Different'

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 13:12 GMT by People
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Dakota Fanning Says She’s Not Competitive With Elle Fanning

When you think of Hollywood’s most talented siblings, the Fanning sisters—Dakota and Elle—immediately come to mind. Since their childhood debuts, the duo has been a recurring subject of fan intrigue: who will outshine whom? The answer, according to Dakota herself, is a resounding “no.” In a candid interview with People (linking to the source: “Dakota Fanning Says She’s Not Competitive With Elle Fanning”), the veteran actress demystifies the “sibling rivalry” narrative and emphasizes the supportive dynamic that has defined her relationship with her younger sister.

A Career That Began in the Same Room

Both Dakota and Elle were born into a family that valued creativity. Their father, a graphic designer, and their mother, a former theater actress, encouraged the twins to pursue their interests, which led them into the spotlight at an early age. Dakota’s first significant role came in 2000 when she was just 8 years old, portraying a young girl in I Am Sam. Elle followed two years later, making her debut in the 2003 horror‑comedy House of Wax.

The interview sheds light on how the two actresses have managed to carve distinct careers. Dakota, known for her work in action‑driven and dramatic projects such as War of the Worlds, I Am Legend, and the indie‑film darling The Glass Castle, has described herself as “someone who always looks for a role that challenges me.” In contrast, Elle has embraced a mix of genre roles—most notably her breakout performance as a mute, mute teenager in The Last of Us series—and lighter, more mainstream projects such as Zombieland: Double Tap.

“There’s No Competition” in the Fanning Household

The People interview centers on the common misconception that Dakota feels the pressure to surpass her sister. Dakota dispels this notion, stating, “I have no competition in my life. I’m very grateful for the space Elle has, and that’s all. We’re sisters. That’s all I can say. I’m so proud of her.”

When asked if she ever compares herself to Elle’s recent work—particularly Elle’s high‑profile role in the 2024 adaptation of The Last of Us—Dakota admitted that she finds it both inspiring and uplifting. “I think that we’re different people, and we’re on different paths. So, we’re not in competition. We’re both doing our own things. That’s a huge thing. I’m just thankful for that.” She also highlighted her comfort with the industry’s dynamics: “It’s a huge thing for us to be in the industry. The way that we both got into acting, we have a lot of support from our families.”

These remarks underscore a key takeaway: the Fanning sisters view each other’s success not as a threat but as a point of shared pride. Dakota even revealed that she often seeks Elle’s feedback on her own projects, noting the supportive “buddy system” they have cultivated over decades.

The Power of Support: A Look at Their Shared Projects

The sisters have occasionally appeared together in films, most notably in The Last of Us (2024). In a separate People feature—linking to “Dakota Fanning Talks About Working With Elle in ‘The Last of Us’”—Dakota discussed the experience of collaborating with Elle on set. She described the dynamic as “lightning fast, as you’re in the zone.” This shared work highlights how the sisters have turned potential rivalry into productive collaboration.

Beyond on‑screen collaborations, the article references their participation in family events and public appearances. They have been spotted together at events such as the SAG Awards, where both were recognized for their achievements. In a People interview from 2023 (link: “Dakota Fanning Celebrates Her Sister’s Emmy Win”), Dakota spoke about Elle’s Emmy nomination for The Last of Us series. She praised Elle’s dedication and the joy that her sister’s success brings to the entire family.

A Culture of Gratitude in Hollywood

The broader theme of the interview is gratitude. Dakota’s remarks echo a growing sentiment among industry professionals who prioritize mental well‑being over competitive pressure. She cited her mother’s advice to always “thank your family” and to view each success as an opportunity to celebrate rather than to compete.

In the People article, Dakota also acknowledges the support of their fans. She emphasized how fan encouragement has bolstered both her and Elle’s confidence, allowing them to pursue roles that align with their personal values instead of chasing box‑office numbers.

The Road Ahead for Both Sisters

While the People interview does not dive deeply into future projects, Dakota hints at upcoming roles that play to her strengths in complex, genre‑specific characters. Elle’s next project—an adaptation of The Last of Us—was already highlighted in an associated People piece, detailing the expectations of fans. The conversation underscores how each sister is charting her own course while staying rooted in mutual respect and shared passion.

Final Thoughts

Dakota Fanning’s candid conversation reveals that sibling dynamics, especially in the limelight, need not be fraught with rivalry. By focusing on gratitude and collaboration, Dakota and Elle Fanning have turned a potential narrative of competition into a story of mutual support. Their journey illustrates that success in Hollywood is not a zero‑sum game; rather, it is a shared landscape where family, gratitude, and personal growth can coexist harmoniously.

In the words of Dakota herself, “I’m so proud of her.” And that sentiment—simple yet profound—underscores the powerful bond that defines the Fanning sisters and reminds us that greatness is most rewarding when celebrated together.