The Fanning sisters are all set to star together in a film for the very first time since the critically acclaimed 2001 film 'I Am Sam'. Dakota Fanning (War of the Worlds, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) and Elle Fanning (Super 8, Maleficent) have signed for the lead roles in TriStar Pictures' upcoming drama film adaptation of 'The Nightingale', based on Kristin Hannah's best-selling novel of the same name. The former child stars will be portraying the roles of estranged sisters Vianne and Isabelle.

This project marks the first time that the Fanning sisters will be acting together on-screen. However, the film will be the second collaboration between them as they previously starred in 'I Am Sam', where they didn't have the chance to share the same screen due to Elle Fanning portraying the younger version of Dakota Fanning's character.

First published in 2015, 'The Nightingale' follows the story of two sisters coming of age in France on the eve of World War 2 and tells the story of their struggle to survive the German occupation of France. The story is inspired by the courageous women of the French Resistance who helped downed Allied airmen escape Nazi-occupied territory and hid Jewish children. TriStar Pictures had acquired the film rights to the novel following its release in 2015.

`'The Nightingale' will be the first time we act on screen together. We have played the same character at different ages but have never spoken to each other in front of a camera.` The Fanning sisters said in a joint statement. `For years, we have looked for a film to do with one another and then this gem appeared. As sisters, to share our artistry with each other while bringing such a powerful sister story to life is a dream come true. We are so lucky to have our fearless director, Melanie Laurent, to guide us along on the journey. Let's do this, sister!!`

The film will be directed by Melanie Laurent. The Nightingale adaptation is penned by Dana Stevens with Elizabeth Cantillon serving as a producer through her Cantillon Company banner. TriStar's Nicole Brown and Shary Shirazi will be overseeing the project for the studio. Sony Pictures has scheduled a Christmas day release for 'The Nightingale'.

The Nightingale will open against Paramount/Skydance's 'The Tomorrow War', 20th Century Studios/Disney's 'The Last Duel' and Universal's 'News of the World'.