Elle Fanning Then & Now: Photos of the ‘Maleficent’ Star Over the Years

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See how Elle Fanning has grown from child star to leading lady over the years.

From child star to red carpet standout, Elle Fanning has grown up in the spotlight. Born April 9, 1998, she began acting at a young age, appearing in films like I Am Sam (2001), where she played a younger version of her sister Dakota Fanning’s character, before landing roles in Because of Winn-Dixie (2005), Babel (2006), and Phoebe in Wonderland (2008).

She went on to take on a mix of indie and blockbuster projects, earning praise for performances in Super 8 (2011), Somewhere (2010), and The Neon Demon (2016). Elle also became widely recognized for playing Princess Aurora in Disney’s Maleficent films alongside Angelina Jolie.

In recent years, Fanning has taken on more mature and high-profile roles, starring in The Great and The Girl from Plainville, before continuing her momentum with films like A Complete Unknown (2024). She had a major 2025 with Sentimental Value, which earned awards buzz and nominations, and the sci-fi film Predator: Badlands. Looking ahead, she stars in the 2026 Apple TV+ series Margo’s Got Money Troubles, and is set to play Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

Take a look at photos of Elle Fanning through the years in this gallery.

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