Elle Fanning: From 'The Great's' Princess to 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 sparked 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 solo mum who, juggling nappies and debt, decides to start an OnlyFans account just to make ends meet. But what's really got us gobsmacked is how Elle prepped for the part.

From the Red Carpet to the Digital Trenches

When an actress says she "immerses" herself in a character, it usually means reading books or watching docs. Elle Fanning took it literally and, to understand her Margo, she created a real account on OnlyFans. Yep, you read that right. For a few weeks, the actress explored the platform to get a real feel for what it means to put yourself out there and chase an income in the digital economy. She didn't post any explicit content, of course, but the anecdote alone is pure rock star behaviour. In interviews after the Austin premiere, Elle confessed with a laugh that it was "a revealing experience, and a bit terrifying." 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, on top of dealing with unplanned motherhood, has to contend with an absent father with a wrestling past (played by Nick Offerman) and a pretty 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, a world away from the wigs and corsets of "The Great", where she played Catherine the Great. Speaking of that series…

From the Russian Court to American Precarity

Those of us who've followed Elle since her early days remember her incredible work in "The Great", where she showed she could switch 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 Kiwi bird, with very real problems, using her wits 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 talking about taking risks, we can't forget her foray into psychological horror with "The Neon Demon". That Nicolas Winding Refn film, where Elle played a model consumed by the obsession with beauty, became a cult classic. In fact, if you go looking for a copy of "The Neon Demon", you'll see the film still has fans all over the world. Fanning was already showing that ability to move between innocence and the sinister back then. And now, with Margo, she adds another layer of vulnerability and strength.

• OnlyFans as an acting tool: Elle actually ventured onto the platform to deeply research her character.
• SXSW Premiere: The series was one of the festival's big highlights, with critics praising its script and performances.
• Multi-talented: Besides acting, Elle Fanning has serious dance skills. Did you know she can teach you how to do a ballet turn? That's right, a video is doing the rounds where Elle Fanning shows you how to do a ballet turn, showcasing her childhood training.

More Than Just a Pretty Face: The Art of Transformation

One of the most viral moments of this promo tour has undoubtedly been the video where Elle Fanning teaches you how to do a ballet turn. Yep, the actress studied ballet for years and it shows in her poise and discipline. But beyond the technique, what comes across is that genuine passion for her craft. She's not just a celebrity gliding down the red carpet; she's an artist who gets under her characters' skin, right down to the last detail.

The big question on everyone's mind now is: will Margo win over Kiwi audiences when the series drops on Apple TV+? If Fanning's level of commitment is anything to go by, we reckon it's a no-brainer: the wait will be worth it. In the meantime, we can rewatch her earlier roles, practise our ballet turns (thanks to her tutorial), and dream that one day she'll pop by here to tell us more stories about her dive into the digital world. Brava, Elle!