Elle Fanning stars as transgender teen in Three Generations
Elle Fanning who was last seen as Princess Aurora opposite Angelina Jolie in Maleficent will next reprise the role of Ray, a New York City teen transitioning from female to male in the upcoming indie comedy drama Three Generations. The 16-year-old critically acclaimed actress joins screen veterans Naomi Watts, 46, who plays her single mom Maggie, and Susan Sarandon, 68, who portrays her lesbian grandmother Dolly.
Three Generations is written by Nikole Beckwith, directed by Gaby Dellal and also stars Tate Donovan, Linda Emond, Sam Trammell, Maria Dizzia and Jordan Carlos. The film follows the story of Ray, her mom and her grandmother as they come to terms with her decision to spend the rest of her life as a man. Donovan plays Craig, her mother's boyfriend who will help raise her as a son. The film according to the official synopsis is an exploration of identity that centers on Ray's transitioning from female to male and her single mother Maggie's coming to terms with having to raise her only daughter as a son. At the same time, it looks at Maggie's mother, Dolly, described as a quick-witted music manager who shares her brownstone with her lesbian partner, Frances (Emond), who is also having a hard time wrapping her head around Ray's life-altering decision and Maggie's inability to move out of the house in which she grew up.
While filming for her role as Ray, Elle has to wear a short-cropped wig over her long blond hair that rendered her barely recognizable. During the holiday break, she was spotted at the LAX airport sans the wig. She graciously signed autographs for her fans. She is slated to be seen next in director Jay Roach's 1940s biopic drama Trumboabout the blacklisted Communist screenwriter Dalton Trumbo which will have Bryan Cranstone in the title role.