Rooney and Kate Mara had to speak in unison in ‘Bucking Fastard’
PUBLISHED Sep 3, 2026, 12:44 PM ET
Rooney and Kate Mara premiered Werner Herzog’s “Bucking Fastard” at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday, marking their first film together. They play fictional siblings Jean and Joan Holbrooke, whose bond is expressed through speaking and moving in unison. Herzog said his idea was inspired by British twins Freda and Greta Chaplin, whom he encountered decades ago, but stressed that the new film is fictional. The Maras said their shared childhood made synchronized dialogue feel natural, with Kate comparing it to music. Herzog shortened their planned two-week rehearsal to five days after seeing their progress. Orlando Bloom co-stars as the man both sisters love, while Domhnall Gleeson is also in the cast. The film is an Ireland-U.S. production, runs 109 minutes and is competing for Venice’s Golden Lion. Herzog dedicated the movie to David Lynch, saying he wished Lynch could have seen it. No U.S. release date has been announced.
By James Porter | JQJO News
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Left: Reviews emphasize artistic shortcomings while questioning Herzog’s treatment of eccentric characters. Center: Coverage emphasizes premiere facts, performances, production details, and competing critical reactions.
On September 3, 2026, AP published its Venice premiere report. https://apnews.com/article/8c7b0b78485977f655855917c5c40b9e
Coverage of Story:
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Bucking Fastard review - Herzog's starry twins soap provokes a syncing feeling
The Guardian VultureFrom Center
Mara sisters speak as one in Herzog's Venice contender
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