Dakota Fanning In New Moon: Inside The Role Of Jane & Beyond
Did a diminutive young vampire with a penchant for inflicting psychic pain truly elevate the Twilight saga? Dakota Fanning's portrayal of Jane in New Moon undeniably added a layer of chilling complexity that resonated with audiences and critics alike, transforming a teen fantasy into something far more compelling.
The anticipation surrounding the second installment of the Twilight saga, New Moon, released on November 20, 2009, was palpable. The film, directed by Chris Weitz and adapted from Stephenie Meyer's best-selling novel, had already garnered a massive following, and the casting of Dakota Fanning as Jane, a member of the Volturi guard, sent a shockwave of excitement through the fandom. The premiere at the Mann Village Theatre in Westwood, CA, USA, on November 16, 2009, was a star-studded affair, with Fanning's arrival a key moment, captured by Ricomix Productions. At the age of 15, Fanning was already a seasoned veteran of the screen, and her inclusion was hailed as a major casting coup.
The announcement that "acclaimed actress Dakota Fanning has officially joined the cast" spread quickly. Online buzz and speculation had preceded the official confirmation, but the news was nonetheless met with enthusiastic approval. The role of Jane, a seemingly harmless vampire with the ability to inflict excruciating pain with a mere thought, offered Fanning the chance to showcase a darker side, a stark contrast to some of her earlier, more innocent roles. Her performance became a talking point, and a testament to her range.
Category | Details |
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Full Name | Hannah Dakota Fanning |
Date of Birth | February 23, 1994 |
Birthplace | Conyers, Georgia, U.S. |
Occupation | Actress |
Years Active | 1999present |
Known For | Roles in films such as "I Am Sam", "War of the Worlds", "The Runaways", and "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" |
Notable Roles |
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Awards and Nominations |
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Official Website (Reference) | IMDB - Dakota Fanning |
Fanning's Jane was not merely a villain; she was an embodiment of power and control within the Volturi coven. Her presence added a layer of danger and intrigue to the story. The role of Jane, a member of the Volturi guard, was a significant departure for Fanning. She embraced the characters maliciousness, delivering a performance that was both chilling and captivating. In an unscripted interview alongside her co-stars Michael Sheen and Jamie Campbell Bower, Fanning expressed her enjoyment of playing a wicked character. The character's ability to inflict pain with a thought made her a formidable force and a key element in the escalating tension of the narrative. This ability, coupled with her seemingly youthful appearance, made her all the more unsettling.
The role of Jane offered Fanning a chance to collaborate with other talented actors, including Michael Sheen and Jamie Campbell Bower, who also played key roles within the Volturi. Their interactions and the scenes they shared were often highlights of the film, adding to the overall atmosphere of suspense and dread. The casting of such established actors elevated the films production and drew a wider audience, as fans of the original novels eagerly awaited the cinematic interpretations of their favorite characters. The casting choices of the actors made a significant contribution, especially when they were interviewed about their roles.
Marc Malkin reported on Thursday that Dakota was negotiating for the role of Jane. Fans of the novels already knew of the character, and the announcement of Fanning's casting generated a buzz of excitement. This anticipation underscored the significance of her role and the impact it would have on the film's success. Fanning shared that she loved playing the wicked character of Jane, a powerful volturi who takes pleasure in causing people pain.
The success of New Moon at the box office, though not entirely attributable to Fanning's presence, undoubtedly benefited from the buzz surrounding her casting. It was not the box office totals themselves that were important. It was the film's overall impact on popular culture, and the film's contribution to the Twilight saga. Though the films catered to a younger audience, they had an enormous impact on those who were teens during their release. Her performance was a contributing factor to the film's success and her role as Jane garnered both critical and fan praise.
Fannings involvement in the franchise continued with Eclipse, released in June of the following year. This confirmed the positive reception of her character and validated the casting choice. As a result, Dakota's commitment to playing Jane, and her portrayal of the Volturi guard, played a significant role in expanding the world of Twilight. This also contributed to the broader implications within the franchise.
The character Jane, as portrayed by Dakota Fanning, added a layer of complexity to the narrative. Her character was not a simple villain; instead, she represented a complex embodiment of power and control within the Volturi coven, and her presence elevated the film, making it something far more compelling.


