Elle Fanning Created OnlyFans Account to Prepare for Latest Role

The actress spoke about her research process for the new Apple TV series "Margo's Got Money Troubles".

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:42pm

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Elle Fanning revealed that she created an OnlyFans account to research her role as Margo in the upcoming Apple TV series "Margo's Got Money Troubles". The show is based on Rufi Thorpe's 2024 novel of the same name and features a star-studded cast including Michelle Pfeiffer, Nicole Kidman, and Nick Offerman. Fanning spoke about her preparation process at the SXSW Film & TV Festival premiere on March 12, 2026.

Why it matters

Fanning's decision to create an OnlyFans account to prepare for her role highlights the lengths actors will go to authentically portray their characters. The show's focus on financial struggles and a young woman's journey also reflects timely themes that many viewers can relate to.

The details

In the Apple TV series "Margo's Got Money Troubles", Fanning plays the title character Margo, a young woman who drops out of college and aspires to be a writer, but faces financial difficulties and has to rely on her mother Shaynne (Michelle Pfeiffer) and father Jinx (Nick Offerman) for support. To get into the mindset of her character, Fanning revealed that she and the show's writers created an OnlyFans account to research the platform.

  • The series "Margo's Got Money Troubles" premieres on April 15, 2026.
  • The SXSW Film & TV Festival premiere took place on March 12, 2026.

The players

Elle Fanning

A 27-year-old actress who is starring as the lead character Margo in the new Apple TV series "Margo's Got Money Troubles".

Rufi Thorpe

The author of the 2024 bestselling novel "Margo's Got Money Troubles", which the new Apple TV series is based on.

Michelle Pfeiffer

An acclaimed actress who plays the role of Margo's mother Shaynne Millet in the series.

Nick Offerman

An actor who portrays Margo's father Jinx Millet, a former pro wrestler, in the show.

David E. Kelley

The creator of the "Margo's Got Money Troubles" series for Apple TV.

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What they’re saying

“I mean, also, you know, we had to dive into OnlyFans a little bit. We did create an account for the writer's room and for me and so I could kind of check out how the website is.”

— Elle Fanning, Actress (PEOPLE)

“I hope people really enjoy the show. It's a family drama, but there's also, again, it's very heartwarming and Margo is such a hopeful character.”

— Elle Fanning, Actress (Deadline)

What’s next

The eight-episode Apple TV series "Margo's Got Money Troubles" will premiere on April 15, 2026.

The takeaway

Elle Fanning's decision to create an OnlyFans account to research her role as Margo demonstrates the level of commitment and authenticity actors will go to in order to fully embody their characters. The show's themes of financial struggles and family support also resonate with many viewers facing similar challenges in today's economy.