Elle Fanning Aims to Spiral Less in 2026

Elle Fanning shares her wellness goals and previews her new role in the Hunger Games.

Elle Fanning Aims to Spiral Less in 2026

Is it possible to be a Hollywood visionary without losing yourself in the “what-ifs” of the future?

For Elle Fanning, 2026 is defined by a singular, relatable mission: to stop the mental spiral. Speaking at the Palm Springs International Film Festival Film Awards,

the actress admitted that her natural tendency as a “big dreamer” often comes with a shadow side—the tendency to over-analyze the future until it becomes overwhelming.

Her goal for the new year is a radical embrace of the present, a wellness objective that is already being mirrored in the deeply emotional projects she is bringing to the screen.

The Anatomy of the Spiral 

Fanning’s confession is a rare moment of vulnerability for a star who has spent most of her life in the public eye.

She noted that while dreaming is a strength, it can lead to “spiraling” when the mind drifts too far from the current moment.

By identifying this as a habit to “leave behind in 2025,” she is pivoting toward a mindfulness-based approach to her career.

This shift is particularly timely as she navigates the success of her film Sentimental Value, a project that demands high emotional presence from its performers and its audience.

Cinema that Heals 

The impact of Sentimental Value—which stars Renate Reinsve and Stellan Skarsgård—has been profound.

Fanning shared that the film, which explores a woman’s forced reconnection with an estranged father, has triggered a universal response.

• Real-world impact: Audiences have reportedly reached out to their own estranged parents after seeing the film.
• Professional recognition: Fanning received the International Star Award for her role, validating her decision to pursue “emotionally heavy” and “universal” narratives.

From High Drama to High Fashion 

While her wellness goals focus on the present, her professional slate is anchored in one of the most anticipated franchises in cinema history.

Fanning is set to play the flamboyant Effie Trinket in the upcoming prequel, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

She teased that the world-building is “so great,” revealing that she already has a phone full of selfies in Effie’s legendary, over-the-top costumes.

This role offers a sharp contrast to the grounded drama of Sentimental Value, allowing her to flex her range while maintaining her new “live in the moment” philosophy.

Advice for the Ambitious 

The industry often teaches actors to always look for the next mountain to climb. Fanning argues for the opposite: The “Spiral” is the Enemy of Art. 

If you are too busy dreaming of the next award or the next franchise, you miss the emotional resonance of the story you are currently telling.

• Dreaming is a double-edged sword: Use it for creativity, but don’t let it become a trap for anxiety.
• The Power of Costumes: Even in a high-pressure prequel, finding joy in “good costumes” and small moments (like selfies) can keep a performer grounded.
• Universal Connection: A film’s success isn’t just measured in box office, but in the “beautiful thing” of changing an audience’s personal lives.

Key Takeaways:

• Mindfulness Mission: Fanning is actively working to “spiral less” and stay more present in 2026.
• Emotional Resonance: Sentimental Value is driving audiences toward familial reconciliation.
• Franchise Evolution: Her role in the Hunger Games prequel brings a fresh, costume-heavy perspective to a fan-favorite character.
• Leaving 2025 Behind: The actress is intentionally shedding the habit of overthinking the future.