Elle Fanning: From playing a princess in The Great to becoming an OnlyFans star in her new series Margo's Got Money Troubles

If there's one actress who knows how to stay on our radar, it's Elle Fanning. Dakota's little sister has just stolen our hearts (and prompted more than a few nervous laughs) with her latest project: "Margo's Got Money Troubles", a series that had its world premiere at SXSW 2026 and is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about shows of the year. And for good reason: the story follows Margo, a single mum who, juggling nappies and debt, decides to open an OnlyFans account to make ends meet. But what's truly left us gobsmacked is how Elle prepared for the part.

From the red carpet to the digital frontline

When an actress says she "immerses" herself in a character, it usually means reading books or watching documentaries. Elle Fanning took it literally and, to understand her Margo, she created a real OnlyFans account. Yes, you read that right. For a few weeks, the actress explored the platform to grasp the essence of what it means to put yourself out there and seek an income in the digital economy. Of course, she didn't share any explicit content, but the anecdote is already rock 'n' roll. In interviews after the Austin premiere, Elle confessed with a laugh that it was "a revealing and slightly terrifying experience." That's how you build a character, folks.

Margo, a heroine for our times

Based on the novel by Rufi Thorpe, the series introduces us to a young woman who, besides dealing with unplanned motherhood, has to face an absent father with a wrestling past (played by Nick Offerman) and a rather unconventional mother (none other than Michelle Pfeiffer). The drama has shades of dark comedy and a pace that grabs you from the first episode. But what we love most is seeing Fanning in a down-to-earth role, away from the wigs and corsets of "The Great", where she played Catherine the Great. Speaking of that series…

From the Russian court to the struggles of modern America

Those of us who've followed Elle since her early days remember her incredible work in "The Great: Season One", where she proved she could shift from absurd comedy to drama with astonishing ease. Her Catherine was naive, ambitious, and adorable. Now, in Margo, we see the other end of the spectrum: an ordinary girl, with very real problems, using her wit and her body as a last resort. It's a twist that confirms Fanning isn't afraid to take risks.

A history of unforgettable characters

And since we're on the subject of taking risks, we can't forget her foray into psychological horror in "The Neon Demon". That film by Nicolas Winding Refn, where Elle played a model devoured by the obsession with beauty, became a cult classic. In fact, if you look for the DVD of "The Neon Demon" in German or English, you'll notice the film still has fans all over the world. Fanning already showed that ability to walk the line between innocence and the sinister back then. And now, with Margo, she adds another layer of vulnerability and strength.

• Method acting via OnlyFans: Elle ventured onto the platform to thoroughly research her character.
• SXSW Premiere: The series was one of the festival's highlights, with critics praising its script and performances.
• Multi-talented: Besides acting, Elle Fanning has demonstrated her skills in dance. Did you know she can teach you how to do a ballet turn? That's right, a video is circulating where Elle Fanning teaches you how to do a ballet turn, showcasing her training from a young age.

More than just a pretty face: the art of transformation

One of the most viral moments from this promotional tour has undoubtedly been the video where Elle Fanning teaches you how to do a ballet turn. Yes, the actress studied ballet for years, and it shows in her poise and discipline. But beyond the technique, what she conveys is a true passion for her craft. She's not just a celebrity walking the red carpet; she's an artist who inhabits her characters down to the last detail.

The big question now is: can Margo win over British audiences when the series lands on Apple TV+? If Fanning's level of commitment is anything to go by, it's clear: the wait will be worth it. In the meantime, we can revisit her previous roles, practise our ballet turns (with her tutorial), and dream that one day she'll pop over here to tell us more stories about her venture into the digital world. Brava, Elle!