The SAG-AFTRA Foundation recently had a panel with Elle moderated by Mara Webster. Watch it below:

An unassuming building in the heart of East London is transformed into an imaginative interpretation of 18th century Russia for this wildly satirical, history-bending new series. From the lavish ballrooms to the gold-leaf candelabras, creator and writer Tony McNamara and production designer Francesca Di Mottola describe the intricacies of creating the “unpolished, realistic, decadent” kingdom of Emperor Peter (Nicholas Hoult) that a young Catherine the Great (Elle Fanning) walks into as she is married off to the tempestuous ruler. Costume designer Emma Fryer discusses charting Catherine’s arc through her clothing, and bringing a contemporary aesthetic to period costumery with modern fabrics. Explore the details that bring the colorful, seductive and dangerous world of Peter and Catherine’s story to life.

As her Hulu biopic about Catherine the Great drops, we speak to the 22-year-old star about the women who inspire her, and her life as both the series’ lead and producer.

Before the global pandemic, when human contact is still an everyday occurrence, we meet Elle Fanning in one of her favorite restaurants in the Valley, where she was born and raised, to talk about her latest role. With a script by Australian screenwriter Tony McNamara of The Favourite fame, she jumped at the chance to work on a TV series about the young Catherine the Great, who became the Russian empress after overthrowing her dastardly husband, Peter the Great, played by Nicholas Hoult. Following the coup d’etat, she went on to rule the nation for 34 years, embracing the European ideas of the Enlightenment, extending its borders and governing during a period that became known as The Golden Age. We ask the actor what it was like to embody one of the most powerful female figures in history in The Great, available to stream May 15.

What appealed to you about Catherine’s character?
She’s a beautiful character because she’s very curious, and she always has a second plan and a third and fourth and fifth plan. And she makes mistakes. And she doesn’t claim to know everything. She’s open to learning from other people and even Peter, though his style of ruling is horrible. And she’s a great manipulator.

The two actors talk about ‘The Great’ on Good Morning America.

During this historic time of isolation, people have been entertained by “Never Have I Ever,” “Normal People,” “Dave,” “Dead to Me” or “Ozark.” They have spent hours watching “The Last Dance,” a rejuvenated “Survivor,” “Drag Race,” “Love is Blind” and “Making the Cut.” Escapism has been what has popped the most and another welcome respite is likely to be Hulu ‘s “The Great” starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult. And thankfully, Hulu is making it available all in one binge this Friday.

Loosely inspired by the life of Catherine the Great, who is portrayed by Fanning, the Tony McNamara (“The Favourite”) created series imagines her rise to power through a contemporary mindset. Of course, the series begins with her marriage to Peter III, played wonderfully by Hoult, and McNamara and his writing team have glorious fun playing with history when it suits their particular tale. Despite an overall stellar cast (look for “Normal People’s” Sebastian de Souza in a major role) the shining star is Fanning. The now 22-year-old actress has earned acclaim for her roles in films such as “20th Century Women” and “The Beguiled,” but this is hands down the best thing she’s ever done. She not only excels at the comedic moments but finds a way to break your heart as well.

Fanning jumped on the phone just a month or so into the nation’s stay at home orders (well, at least those in California) to discuss her rare foray into episodic content. Be warned, however, there are some spoilers ahead (whether you think they are minor or major is debatable).

The Playlist: Hi Elle. How are you doing?
Elle Fanning: I’m good. How are you?

Elle video chats with Jimmy about celebrating her 22nd birthday in quarantine, explains how she ended up with Bob Dylan’s harmonica and breaks down the importance of supporting Children’s Miracle Network.

Elle was photographed while she was out in Los Angeles with Max Minghella yesterday, May 12. She was also seen while she was leaving her home to head over to pick up a frozen yogurt with her sister Dakota and their mom. You can find the newest photos in the gallery!

With all 10 episodes of The Great arriving on Hulu on May 15th, Collider recently got the chance to chat with Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult about a little bit of everything! They talked early inspirations, getting involved in franchises, The Great, and loads more. They’ll share the full chat closer to the show’s big debut, but for now, here’s a brief tease of the conversation.

Of course there’s a ton of Batgirl fan casting happening right now, and that likely has a lot to do with, one, the character being super popular and, two, the fact that Warner Bros. has had a Batgirl solo film in development for quite a while now. The funny thing about Fanning’s name being tossed around for the title role is that her Neon Demon director, Nicolas Winding Refn, has expressed interest in directing a Batgirl movie, so they her about it.

Update

Full interview:

Joshua Horowitz caught up with Elle to discuss her new Hulu show The Great, how she’s spending her time in quarantine (lots of puzzles), plans to star opposite her sister Dakota Fanning in the future and more.