Film & TV3 min(s) read
Real-life sisters Kate Mara and Rooney Mara have signed on to star alongside Orlando Bloom in a new drama titled Bucking Fastard.
Directed by legendary German filmmaker Werner Herzog, the movie tells the story of twin sisters Joan and Jean Holbrooke, played by Rooney and Kate, who share a deeply intense connection, speak in unison, and find themselves caught in a romantic entanglement with a character played by Bloom.
The project features a provocative intimate scene involving all three actors, yet the chance to work together alongside a visionary director outweighed any hesitation for the two lead performers.
The story takes its core inspiration from the true lives of identical twins Freda and Greta Chaplin, exploring the dynamics of two women who share their desires, actions, and even a single lover.
Speaking to Deadline, the cast and crew opened up about how the collaboration came together and why both sisters felt compelled to accept the unique roles.
For Kate, taking on the project fulfilled a longtime desire to share the screen with her sibling, though finding the right one had previously proven difficult.
"Well, I couldn't believe it," Kate said about receiving the pitch. "I've been a fan of his forever, and Rooney and I have always wanted to work together. But we've never had the opportunity in a way that's felt real.
"It's really hard to find a script that is interesting enough for both lead actors and to find a filmmaker that you both adore and want to work with and trust. So yeah, when he reached out to us both, I was praying that the script was as interesting as the title. And it was."
Rooney expressed identical enthusiasm for the opportunity, noting that the chance to collaborate with such an iconic filmmaker made the decision simple.
"The same," Rooney shared. "I mean, Vera Herzog comes knocking on your door, you open the door. And yeah, of course, the opportunity to work with my sister - it was too good of an opportunity to pass up."
Her sister echoed that sentiment, noting that the combination of Herzog's direction and a compelling script made the unusual premise an easy sell.
Orlando Bloom plays Gareth Mulroney, a sensitive man who finds himself completely out of his depth as he becomes involved with both sisters. The narrative leads to an intimate threesome scene, which Bloom described as a central emotional beat for the trio.
According to Bloom, Herzog chose to step back and let the actors navigate the intimate sequence naturally, telling Bloom that he could not give specific instructions for how to handle having two women in his arms in bed.
Bloom noted that the trio created a very sincere moment together, balancing the physical nature of the scene with the innocence and desires of the characters.
Bucking Fastard made its official premiere at the Venice Film Festival on September 3, 2026, with the full cast walking the red carpet to celebrate the unconventional feature.
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