Domhnall Gleeson has been announced as a cast member in the upcoming film “Bucking Fastard,” directed by acclaimed filmmaker Werner Herzog. He joins actress siblings Kate and Rooney Mara in a project that has recently wrapped filming across various locations in Ireland, including Dublin and Sligo, as well as in Slovenia.
According to reports from Deadline, the film completed filming last weekend and is poised to attract attention at this month’s Cannes Film Festival, where exclusive footage will be presented to potential buyers. “Bucking Fastard” centers around the unique relationship between two sisters, Jean and Joan Holbrooke, who share an extraordinary bond—they often speak in unison, are in love with the same man, have identical dreams, and even make the same verbal mistakes together. Their quest takes them on a surreal journey as they seek an “imaginary land” where true love is attainable, leading them to dig a tunnel through a mountain range.
Orlando Bloom is also part of the cast, portraying the role of Gareth Mulroney, the sisters’ boisterous ex-lover. Gleeson will portray Timothy, a government-assigned social worker attempting to assist the sisters as they navigate the attention that comes with becoming tabloid sensations.
Herzog expressed his deep connection to this film, describing it as the culmination of a thematic operatic triptych alongside his previous works, “Fitzcarraldo” and “Grizzly Man.” He indicated that while audiences cannot fully perceive the world through the sisters’ eyes, they can witness society’s response to their existence—reflecting on the interplay of media, support, and exploitation that surrounds them.
Gabrielle Stewart, CEO of HanWay Films, which is managing the film’s sales, highlighted Herzog’s ability to weave humor and fantasy into the story, calling it a genuinely original creation. The anticipation for “Bucking Fastard” is palpable, especially among film industry professionals headed to Cannes.
Gleeson will also be seen in Guy Ritchie’s upcoming action-adventure film “Fountain of Youth,” set to premiere on Apple TV+ on May 23. With the depth and creativity showcased in “Bucking Fastard,” there seems to be a promising future for both the cast and the film as they embark on this cinematic journey.