Kate Mara and Rooney Mara Reveal What They Learned About Each Other Making Their First Movie Together (Exclusive)

Kate Mara and Rooney Mara recently graced the Toronto International Film Festival to promote their new film, “Bucking Fastard,” marking a significant milestone in their careers as it represents their first on-screen collaboration as sisters. The festival, which took place on September 10, 2026, provided a platform for the siblings to reflect on their unique experiences while working together. Their shared journey was not only a professional endeavour but also a deeply personal one, as they explored the intricacies of their relationship through their roles.

The sisters, aged 43 and 41 respectively, were joined at the event by fellow cast member Orlando Bloom. During their appearance at the PEOPLE/Entertainment Weekly and Shutterstock studio, Kate expressed her excitement about this opportunity, stating, “To be able to play this role with my sister was just a dream really.” Their enthusiasm was palpable, as both women discussed the profound connection they developed on set, one that transcended their years as sisters and resulted in a seamless collaboration.

Rooney added that working alongside Kate revealed some surprising facets of her sister’s personality, such as her “fiery side” in a professional setting. In a light-hearted moment, she noted how Kate also discovered her penchant for snacking throughout the filming process, leading to some playful banter between the two about their eating habits.

“Bucking Fastard,” directed by acclaimed filmmaker Werner Herzog, explores the lives of intertwined twins Jean and Joan Holbrooke. The film made its world premiere in competition at the 83rd Venice Film Festival earlier in September. In their portrayals, Kate and Rooney embody characters so closely linked that they share not just dreams and aspirations but also verbal slips and synchronous thoughts, an intimacy that reflects their real-life relationship.

Rooney commented on their long-standing discussions about potential collaborations, noting that “Bucking Fastard” felt like the right fit. She explained, “It felt totally right.” Kate echoed this sentiment, expressing their shared goal of working together with a beloved director on equally compelling roles. “We’re playing basically the same person. Never in our wildest dreams do we expect that to happen,” she remarked, highlighting the serendipitous nature of their project.

During the panel session at the Venice Film Festival, both sisters elaborated on the dynamics of their performance. Rooney noted that the unspoken bond they share played a crucial role in their on-set chemistry. “We had an unspoken world between us that we didn’t have to work very hard to create at all,” she explained. Kate further described their synchronisation as akin to music, stating that once they established their rhythm, it felt natural—almost like a song.

In the film’s synopsis, “Bucking Fastard” is depicted as a narrative that delves into the complexities of sisterhood, portraying how the world reacts to the twins in various contexts—be it through the media, legal scrutiny, or personal relationships. The holistic view of their experiences, both emotionally and socially, paints a vivid picture of the twins’ lives, inviting audiences to understand their unique perspective.

As they continue to navigate their careers, Kate and Rooney Mara demonstrate a profound commitment to their craft and to each other. Their collaboration in “Bucking Fastard” not only enriches their individual artistic narratives but also amplifies the themes of connection and identity that are central to the film. The sisters’ exploration of their relationship on-screen promises to resonate deeply with viewers, making this project one of the highlights of the festival.

With the buzz surrounding their film, it is clear that this collaboration is not just a fulfilment of a long-held dream but a fascinating exploration of the bonds that tie family together, both on and off the screen.