Elle Fanning revealed she took an unusual step while preparing for her role in “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” exploring OnlyFans to better understand online creator culture.
Speaking at the SXSW Film & TV Festival, the actress explained that researching digital platforms helped her build the character of Margo, a young mother navigating financial struggles.
Elle Fanning also reflected on the project’s strong cast and shared updates about her upcoming Academy Awards nomination for “Sentimental Value.”
Elle Fanning Says She Researched OnlyFans To Understand Her Character In ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’
Fanning took an unconventional step while getting into character for her role in the upcoming series “Margo’s Got Money Troubles.”
While attending the show’s premiere at the SXSW Film & TV Festival on March 12, the 27-year-old actress revealed that she explored OnlyFans as part of her preparation.
Speaking with People Magazine, Fanning explained that understanding online creator culture was important for shaping her character.
She noted that while she’s already familiar with social platforms like Instagram and TikTok, the team behind the show also wanted a closer look at how OnlyFans works. According to Fanning, an account was set up for both the writers’ room and for her personally so she could better understand the platform’s layout and environment.
The series is adapted from the bestselling 2024 novel “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” by Rufi Thorpe. The story centers on Margo, a young woman who drops out of college after becoming a mother and finds herself struggling financially. As she tries to navigate her new reality, she turns to her parents for help.
The Actress Wasn’t The Only One Who Researched The OnlyFans Platform
In the show, Margo’s mother, Shaynne Millet, is played by Michelle Pfeiffer, portraying a former Hooters waitress, while her father, retired wrestler Jinx Millet, is played by Nick Offerman.
The eight-episode drama will stream on Apple TV+and was created by David E. Kelley, Pfeiffer’s husband. The cast also includes Nicole Kidman, along with Marcia Gay Harden, Greg Kinnear, Michael Angarano, Rico Nasty, Thaddea Graham, and Lindsey Normington.
Showrunner Eva Anderson also addressed the research process during a panel after the premiere. She explained that the writing team spent time studying the platform, but ensured everyone involved was comfortable before doing so.
“We were very responsible, and we just tried to get as much information as we could before we started,” she said.
Elle Fanning Says Filming The Series Was ‘The Most Wonderful Experience’
Fanning previously told Deadline that filming her new series was “the most wonderful experience,” particularly because of the strong ensemble cast.
She described Margo as a hopeful and resilient character who continues pushing forward despite the challenges she faces.
“She’s dealt with these hardships in life, but somehow she always is able to overcome them,” she said of Margo. “And I think she was really inspiring to play because of that and, and the world is just very specific and very fun.”
She added that the original novel is “so brilliant and heartwarming.”
The Actress Says She’ll Celebrate Her First Oscar Nomination With Her Boyfriend And Mom
Beyond promoting the series, Fanning also shared some personal news while attending SXSW. The actress revealed she plans to celebrate her first Academy Awards nomination for “Sentimental Value” alongside her boyfriend Gus Wenner and her mother.
Calling the celebration “a family affair,” Fanning told USA Today she stopped by Austin ahead of the Oscars ceremony on March 15, where she’s nominated for Best Supporting Actress.
She credited the opportunity in part to director Mike Mills, who previously worked with her on “20th Century Women. According to the actress, Mills recommended her to Joachim Trier for “Sentimental Value,” a connection she believes ultimately led to her role in the film.
During her visit to Austin, Fanning also promoted “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” which she both stars in and executive produces alongside her sister Dakota Fanning.
Elle Fanning Says She ‘Definitely’ Wants Kids As She Reflects On Family Trauma In ‘Sentimental Value’
Earlier this year, while attending the Los Angeles premiere of “Sentimental Value,” Fanning opened up about her personal hopes for the future. According to People, she shared that starting a family is something she “definitely” sees in her life someday.
The actress also reflected on how working on the Norwegian drama influenced the way she thinks about relationships and family dynamics. The film follows sisters Nora and Agnes as they reconnect with their estranged father, a storyline that explores generational trauma and the complicated bonds within families.
According to Fanning, the themes in the movie resonate with many people because they touch on experiences that feel universal.
She explained that the film “is about this family that is broken and the traumas that are passed down through families that sometimes you don’t realize, but we all have them.” Fanning noted, “There’s a kind of healing power of art. I don’t know if something can be completely healed all the way.”
The actress added that the film doesn’t attempt to neatly resolve every conflict. Instead, the Joachim Trier-directed project focuses on opening the door to understanding and forgiveness, which she believes is what makes the story especially powerful.
