Dakota Fanning and Denzel Washington have recently shared insights into how they’ve maintained their friendship over the last two decades.
Their bond dates back 20 years to when they starred together in the 2004 film “Man on Fire,” directed by Tony Scott.
For Fanning, the film marked her major breakthrough in the industry, whereas Washington was already an established actor at the time.
Washington, then in his late 40s, portrayed the character of Creasy, while a nine-year-old Fanning played Pita Ramos.
Since their collaboration in “Man on Fire,” the two have continued to stay in touch, with Washington witnessing Fanning’s remarkable rise to fame.
They are set to appear on-screen together again in “The Equalizer 3,” scheduled for release on 1 September.
In anticipation of the new film, both actors have been discussing their upcoming project and the joy of reuniting.
Regarding Fanning, Washington told Entertainment Tonight: “She knows how to hit the ball back over the net. Sky’s the limit for her.”
When they last worked together, Fanning was just a child. Washington expressed how it felt to now act alongside an adult Fanning.
“It was weird, you know, ’cause I’m like, ‘Oh she’s a grown woman,'” Washington said.
“She was like a grown woman then, but now she’s a grown woman. And, you know, obviously a great talent… It wasn’t really strange, ’cause she was bringing it.”
Fanning also shared how they’ve stayed in contact, noting her friendship with one of Washington’s daughters from their days at New York University.
She told ET: “I’ve obviously, you know, known Denzel for a big part of my life, and one of his daughters is one of my closest friends, so I’m always in the loop.”
Reflecting on their reunion, Fanning said: “It’s been almost 20 years and I was quite young [in Man on Fire], but that’s not an experience that one forgets.”
“The second time, I felt the same, like, my body felt the same feeling that I remember feeling all those years ago – excitement and a little bit of nerves and wanting to be as prepared as possible. He definitely is an actor that keeps you on your toes constantly.”