Dakota Fanning Gives Advice For Aspiring Child Actors: ‘Keep Going As Long As You Love It’
Dakota Fanning, seasoned actress and star of the new thriller ‘The Watchers,’ shares heartfelt advice for young actors: pursue the craft as long as it brings you joy. Speaking from her extensive experience since starting at the age of five, Fanning emphasized the importance of passion in sustaining a career in acting. “As long as you love it, you’re in the right place,” she told PEOPLE. “Even when you’re working in a cold, wet forest, if you can still have fun, then you’re on the right track.”
‘The Watchers’, which had its world premiere on 2nd June 2024, in New York, sees Fanning play Mina, an artist stranded in the eerie forests of Ireland. She finds herself in a glass house with three strangers, all of whom are watched by mysterious creatures at night. The film, adapted from A.M. Shine’s 2021 novel, marks the directorial debut of Ishana Night Shyamalan, daughter of acclaimed director M. Night Shyamalan.
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Fanning, with a career featuring collaborations with iconic filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino, Steven Spielberg and Tony Scott, praised Ishana’s unique vision and collaborative spirit. “She’s such a cool person and now a friend,” Fanning said. “Her energy, creativity, and adaptability are very comforting qualities in a director.”
Ishana, who also penned the screenplay, expressed her admiration for Fanning, describing her as a “sort of omnipresent being in our generation” on screen. “Working with her was a revelation,” Ishana remarked. “Dakota’s authenticity and depth bring a unique texture to the movie.”
Fanning’s co-stars echoed these sentiments. British actress Georgina Campbell, known for ‘Barbarian’, found working with Fanning to be an enlightening experience. “She’s very intelligent and great to work with,” Campbell said. Oliver Finnegan highlighted Fanning’s focus and professionalism, noting, “She’s been doing this for so long, she’s a pro. It was fascinating to see her process.”
Veteran actress Olwen Fouéré, another cast member, praised the camaraderie on set and Fanning’s dedication. “Dakota is fantastic and very focused—no messing around,” she said. Reflecting on her milestone birthday, Fanning revealed that turning 30 has brought her immense happiness and gratitude. “I’m at my happiest since turning 30, being grateful for what I have,” she shared.
-Gayathri. J
