Elle Fanning’s Love Life: A Rollercoaster of Romance and Heartbreak
In the glittering world of Hollywood, few stars shine as brightly as Elle Fanning. The 27-year-old actress, known for her ethereal beauty and captivating performances in films like A Complete Unknown and The Great, has long been a darling of the silver screen. But it’s her off-screen escapades in the realm of romance that have recently set tongues wagging, sparking a whirlwind of drama that has fans and tabloids buzzing. From high-profile breakups to passionate new beginnings, Elle Fanning’s love life is a saga worthy of its own blockbuster.
The End of an Era: Splitting with Max Minghella
For years, Elle Fanning and actor Max Minghella were one of Hollywood’s most understated yet adored couples. The pair, who began dating in 2018 after meeting on the set of Teen Spirit, kept their relationship largely private, offering only glimpses of their affection through rare red-carpet appearances and subtle social media posts. Fans swooned over their chemistry, with many believing the couple was destined for a fairy-tale ending.
But in April 2023, the dream shattered. Elle confirmed to Harper’s Bazaar that she and Minghella had parted ways, sending shockwaves through her fanbase. “It was a long-term relationship, but we’ve moved on,” she said, her tone poised yet tinged with melancholy. Sources close to the actress hinted at differing life goals, with Minghella’s focus on directing and Fanning’s skyrocketing career creating an unbridgeable gap. “They loved each other deeply, but sometimes love isn’t enough,” an insider revealed to Us Weekly. The breakup was amicable, but whispers of heartbreak lingered, with Elle reportedly taking time to heal in the quiet of her Los Angeles home.
A New Flame Ignites: Gus Wenner Sweeps In
Just when fans thought Elle might retreat from the dating scene, a new leading man entered the picture: Gus Wenner, the charismatic CEO of Rolling Stone. The couple made their debut at the 2024 Golden Globe Awards, turning heads as they walked the red carpet hand-in-hand. Dressed in a stunning Balmain gown, Elle glowed beside Wenner, whose tailored suit and smitten smile signaled the start of something serious. “They were magnetic together,” an onlooker told People. “You could feel the chemistry from across the room.”
Since then, Elle and Gus have been inseparable, sharing their romance with the world through carefully curated Instagram posts. From a sun-soaked birthday tribute in August 2024, where Elle called Gus her “angel,” to a snowy New Year’s getaway in Aspen in January 2025, captioned “Skiing into 2025,” the couple’s PDA has been nothing short of cinematic. A particularly swoon-worthy moment came during a Barcelona trip in October 2024, when Elle shared a photo of Gus kissing her cheek, simply captioned “Baby” in pink text. Fans flooded the comments with heart-eyes emojis, with one writing, “This is the rom-com we all needed!”
But not everyone is convinced this romance is built to last. Some skeptics point to the eight-year age gap between Elle, 27, and Gus, 34, as a potential source of tension. Others speculate that Wenner’s high-powered media career and Fanning’s demanding filming schedule—currently tied up with AppleTV+’s Margo’s Got Money Troubles—could strain their bond. “They’re in the honeymoon phase now, but Hollywood romances rarely survive the long haul,” a gossip columnist snarked in The Daily Mail. Only time will tell if this fiery connection can withstand the pressures of fame.
A Celebrity Crush Adds Fuel to the Fire
As if Elle’s love life wasn’t dramatic enough, she threw a curveball during a December 2024 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. When asked about her Golden Globes experience, Elle gushed about meeting comedy legend Jack Black, revealing a long-standing crush. “Jack Black is our perfect man,” she laughed, explaining how she and her sister Dakota maintain a group chat dedicated to the School of Rock star’s charm. “My boyfriend was like, ‘Go up to him!’ and I did, and it made my life!”
The playful anecdote sparked a frenzy online, with some fans jokingly questioning whether Gus should be worried. “Elle’s out here fangirling over Jack Black while Gus is planning their next vacation,” one X user tweeted with a crying emoji. Others rushed to defend the couple, pointing out that Elle’s lighthearted crush was just that—a harmless bit of fun. Still, the moment added a cheeky twist to the ongoing narrative of Elle’s romantic journey, proving she knows how to keep the public guessing.
The Shadow of Past Loves
Elle’s current bliss with Gus hasn’t erased the curiosity surrounding her past. Before Max Minghella, she was briefly linked to actor Zalman Band in 2015, though the relationship fizzled quickly and remained under the radar. Her split from Minghella, however, continues to loom large, especially given their shared history in the industry. “Max was her first big love,” a source told Cosmopolitan. “Ending that chapter was tough, but it’s made her stronger and more open to new possibilities.”
Elle herself has remained philosophical about love’s ups and downs. In a January 2025 interview with The Age, she reflected on her role as Sylvie Russo in A Complete Unknown, a character based on Bob Dylan’s real-life love Suze Rotolo. “Their story was so romantic, but also heartbreaking,” she said. “It made me think about how love can be fleeting, yet leave such a lasting mark.” Fans couldn’t help but wonder if she was drawing parallels to her own experiences.
What’s Next for Elle’s Heart?
As Elle Fanning continues to captivate audiences on screen—her upcoming role as twin sisters in Predator: Badlands and a rumored part as Effie Trinket in Sunrise on the Reaping are already generating buzz—her love life remains a subplot that keeps fans hooked. Will Gus Wenner be the one to sweep her off her feet for good, or is another plot twist waiting in the wings? One thing is certain: Elle’s romantic journey is as compelling as any role she’s played, and the world is watching with bated breath.
For now, Elle seems content to let her heart lead the way. As she told Teen Vogue in December 2024, “I’m a pretty happy person, but not all the time. Love is messy, but that’s what makes it beautiful.” And in the dazzling, drama-filled universe of Elle Fanning, messy has never looked so enchanting.
