Elle Fanning on Predator: Badlands, Dodgers Pitch & Halloween Chaos
content: Groundbreaking Predator Premise and Practical Challenges
In Predator: Badlands, director Dan Trachtenberg revolutionizes the franchise by making the Predator the protagonist for the first time. As Fanning explains, "It's really unprecedented... you get to learn about his backstory." Her character – a Wayland-Yutani synth from the Alien universe – is discovered "broken and cut in half," requiring revolutionary practical effects.
The physical execution involved being harnessed to co-star Demetrius Grosse daily. Fanning reveals they were "fully hooked up together entire time," with her legs in blue stockings for CGI removal. This created unique challenges: "If we needed a snack, we had to go together." Despite difficulties, she praises the intimacy it fostered: "We got very close... he had my back, literally."
Behind-the-Scenes Physicality
- Full-body harnesses for aerial sequences filmed in New Zealand forests
- Real-time coordination for movement and emotional scenes
- Shared endurance through demanding conditions requiring mutual dependence
content: Career Milestones and Personal Stories
Fanning's iconic Dodgers first pitch at 16 remains a career highlight. Against advice to throw halfway, she nailed a strike from the mound – a feat her sports-loving family deemed non-negotiable. She laughs about the 50 Cent comparison: "The week before he threw a crazy one... I guess I'm his arch-nemesis." This athleticism aligns symbolically with her surname's baseball meaning.
Her Halloween experience revealed neighborhood chaos. After placing candy outside her first rented home, she witnessed "kids dumping it" and "people double-dipping." Only one child refilled the bowl – an act so rare Jimmy Kimmel joked it "probably happened once in the whole world."
Homeownership Adventures
- Appliance struggles with an overly complex coffee machine ("50-page instructions!")
- Sports conflicts when a Gucci event coincided with the World Series
- Independence journey from childhood trick-or-treating to solo living
content: Critical Acclaim and Future Projects
Fanning's film Sentimental Value earned a historic 19-minute standing ovation at Cannes. While acknowledging the honor, she notes the blushing discomfort: "After a while you're just getting bright red." The performance now generates Oscar buzz, adding to her remarkable career momentum since her first Kimmel appearance at age 12.
Predator: Badlands releases Friday alongside Sentimental Value's limited theatrical run. This dual release showcases Fanning's range – from a legless android to complex dramatic roles. Her evolution from child actor to sci-fi trailblazer reflects both professional daring and relatable growing pains, like mastering appliances in her first home.
Actionable Takeaways for Aspiring Actors:
- Embrace physical challenges – Practical effects build authentic performances
- Own your milestones – Convert nervous moments (like first pitches) into confidence
- Study genre evolution – Note how Badlands reshapes franchise storytelling
Recommended Resources:
- The Practical Effects Workbook (beginners) for understanding physical filmmaking
- Acting for Sci-Fi masterclass (experts) for genre-specific technique
- r/Filmmaking subreddit to discuss effects innovations like Badlands' harness system
What behind-the-scenes filmmaking challenge surprised you most? Share your thoughts below!
