The Mara sisters, Kate and Rooney, took centre stage at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on 3rd September 2026, where they premiered their collaborative project, ‘Bucking Fastard’. This event marked a significant moment in their careers, as it was the first time the two sisters had acted together in a film. They shared genuine moments of sisterly affection while navigating the red carpet, embracing the spotlight alongside their director, Werner Herzog, and co-star, Orlando Bloom.
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The film portrays the unique connection of twins Jean and Joan Holbrooke, played by the Mara sisters. The characters are depicted as deeply intertwined, sharing not only dreams but also emotions and an extraordinary bond, resulting in them speaking in unison. This aspect was particularly daunting for Rooney Mara, who revealed during a press conference that the challenge of embodying a singular character felt intimidating yet rewarding. At 41, Rooney expressed that their lifelong connection helped them create an authentic portrayal without too much effort, saying, “Once we found our flow together, we had so much fun.”
Kate, 43, echoed Rooney’s sentiments regarding their shared experiences on set. In an interview on SiriusXM’s The Julia Cunningham Show, she described ‘Bucking Fastard’ as “quite beautiful and very unusual”, highlighting the uniqueness of working alongside a sibling. She reflected on how profoundly they enjoyed the process and expressed a desire to reunite for future projects, stating, “It was so cool. We finished the film and then, like months later, we were saying, ‘Oh, I miss you so much. We have to work together again.’”
The film’s synopsis indicates that the narrative delves deep into the complexities of twin relationships, exploring themes of love, identity, and shared ambitions. The sisters’ dynamic, fueled by intense familiarity from their childhood, contributes to the film’s authenticity. Their shared history has facilitated an implicit understanding that transcends mere acting—a foundation on which they built their characters’ intertwined lives.
Directed by the legendary Werner Herzog, known for his distinctive narrative style and exploration of human nature, ‘Bucking Fastard’ promises to be both intricate and poignant, encapsulating not only the emotional landscape of twinhood but also the artistry of acting. Alongside the Mara sisters, Domhnall Gleeson adds to the stellar cast, enriching the film with his own performance.
Both sisters have established successful careers in the industry, with Kate gaining recognition for her roles in productions like ‘House of Cards’ and 2015’s ‘Fantastic Four’. Meanwhile, Rooney has been celebrated for her critically acclaimed performances in films such as ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ and ‘Carol’, for which she received multiple Oscar nominations. Their combined talent seems poised to captivate audiences in this latest venture.
The Venice International Film Festival serves as an ideal venue for launching such a project, bringing together the best of cinematic artistry while celebrating the connection between filmmakers and their audiences. The festival took place from 2nd to 12th September, showcasing a variety of films from across the globe.
As the sisters continue their respective journeys in the film industry, their collaboration in ‘Bucking Fastard’ stands as a testament to the unique bonds of family and the innate chemistry that can exist between siblings. They have not only created a memorable film but also an irreplaceable shared experience that they hope to recreate in the future.
Fans and industry insiders alike await the full release of ‘Bucking Fastard’, eager to see how the Mara sisters’ profound relationship translates onto the screen and to witness the creative vision of Herzog brought to life. With positive early reviews and a compelling story, the film is set to be a highlight of this year’s festival, celebrating not just the art of cinema but also the powerful bond of sisterhood.