Reflecting on her early career, Dakota Fanning recently spent time with a familiar face from her past. On October 21, the 30-year-old actress attended a special screening of The Piano Lesson, an upcoming adaptation of August Wilson’s 1987 play. The film features Danielle Deadwyler, Samuel L. Jackson, and John David Washington in key roles.
During the event, Fanning reunited with Denzel Washington, one of her earliest co-stars. The 69-year-old Oscar winner, who is also John David’s father and a producer on the project, shared a warm moment with Fanning, which she later posted to her Instagram Stories. Alongside a photo of the two sitting closely, she wrote, “The Piano Lesson blew my mind!” and added, “Proud friend.”
Elle Fanning joins the celebration on social media, calling her sister’s reunion with Denzel Washington “the reunion to beat all reunions.”
Fanning first worked with Washington in the 2004 action thriller Man on Fire, where she portrayed Lupita Ramos, a young girl kidnapped and protected by her ex-CIA bodyguard, John W. Creasy, played by Washington.
The film’s ensemble cast also included Christopher Walken, Radha Mitchell, Marc Anthony, and Mickey Rourke. At just 10 years old, Fanning received high praise from Washington, who spoke highly of her talent.
“She’s a sweetheart and a joy to be around. You can’t help but like her,” Washington told IGN back then. “Dakota may be a child, but she’s an actor. That’s what we did together—acting. I don’t see her as a ‘child actor,’ just as a wonderful performer who happens to be young.”
Expressing her excitement over the reunion, Fanning shared, “My gratitude to share the screen once again with the legend of all legends is endless. Can’t wait.” Her sister, Elle Fanning, echoed the sentiment with a post that read, “The reunion to beat all reunions!!!!”
Washington has championed The Piano Lesson at several film festivals, where he highlighted the involvement of his family in the project. In addition to John David, his youngest son, Malcolm Washington, directed the film, while his daughter, Katia Washington, worked as a producer.
During the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, Denzel expressed his pride in contributing to Wilson’s work, saying, “I’m honored to play even a small part in August Wilson’s legacy.”
Having previously adapted Fences and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom for the screen, Washington added, “I’m thrilled for people to witness what a gifted filmmaker Malcolm is, and I look forward to building on this journey with August Wilson’s stories.”
