Elle Fanninghas an impressive career that has lasted decades across movies and TV. The actress made her acting debut in 2001’sI Am Samalongside sister Dakota Fanning, with her early career seeing her star inDaddy Day Care,Charlotte’s Web,The Curious Cae of Benjamin Button, andMy Neighbour Totoro. Fanning would receive widespread recognition for her later roles inSuper 8,Ginger & Rosa, andMaleficent.
After receiving critical praise for her roles, Fanning would see herself take on a wide selection of genres, from portraying the titular sci-fi pioneer inMary Shelley, traumatized teen Violet inAll the Bright Places, and most recently Sylvia Russo in James Mangold’s Bob Dylan biopicA Complete Unknown. Fanning’s current next projects will see her come face-to-face with a deadly hunter in theupcomingPredator: Badlandsand provide her voice talents and likeness of Hideo Kojima’s upcoming action-adventure gameDeath Stranding 2: On The Beach.
The Great’s Cancellation Was A Surprise To Fanning
Fanning Has Found Peace With The Series' Endpoint
With 2023 bringing Elle Fanning’s acclaimed historical dramaThe Greatto a surprising conclusion with its cancellation, the star addresses whether she knew the show’s fate ahead of time and whether she feels it got the ending it deserved. Despite Hulu’s show consistently earningaggregated scores of over 90% and a “Certified Fresh” rating across its run, the series came to a sudden halt in 2023 as Hulu confirmed that season 3 would bring its absurdist historical retelling of Catherine the Great of Russia’s (Fanning) rise to power to an end.
Fanning reveals toThe Guardianthatshe and the cast were not made aware ahead of time that the series would be cancelled, despite some among the cast having early suspicions:
I think, ummm, no. We knew that it was a possibility when we were filming season three, but we didn’t know for sure.
While Fanning regrets not knowing ahead of time so she could give her fellow castmates and crew a proper farewell during season 3 production, the star states thatshe is content with how the series ends. Ultimately, Fanning feels that concludingThe Greatwith Catherine assuming the throne with her newfound strength, resolution, and a firm grasp on power allows the series to end at a fulfilling point:
That’s what I was sad about. But actually, Tony wrote it in a way that I thought was brilliant, because with that final scene being the dance, it summed it up perfectly. I would have been sad if it was a cliffhanger.
Our Thoughts On Fanning’s The Great’s Ending Perspective
It Is Unlikely The Series Will Return
Though the survival of opponent Archie (Adam Godley), several other lingering character’s tales, and the latter part of Catherine’s reign until 1796 may leave plenty ofunresolved stories forThe Greatto draw inspiration from, likely, audiences shouldn’t expect a surprising return anytime soon. With over a year having passed since the show’s fate was sealed, many of its cast and crew have moved on to other projects.
The Great Season 3’s 10 Biggest Unanswered Questions
The Great season 3 had many twists, surprises, and schemes, but above all, it left audiences with major questions leading into a potential season 4.
Furthermore, while Fanning may regret not being able to hold a proper farewell with those involved, it is clear that she has found peace with where the series has ultimately ended. With the star weighing in on the series' conclusion, many may take her perspective on board with how they choose to viewThe Greatgoing forward.
The Great
Cast
A drastic departure from the true story, The Great tells the story of Catherine The Great, who went from being an outsider to the most powerful and longest-ruling woman in Russia’s history. But, after assuming the throne from a coup against her husband, she soon discovers enacting her form of liberation of the country will be a challenge - and she’ll have to fight everyone she knows to get it done.
