Orlando Bloom and Domhnall Gleeson have joined the Mara sisters, Kate and Rooney, in Werner Herzog’s upcoming film “Bucking Fastard,” which is set to conclude its European filming on April 26. This film marks the first time the Mara sisters will appear together on screen.
The plot revolves around Jean and Joan Holbrooke, two sisters who share an extraordinary bond—they communicate in unison, fall in love with the same man, and have identical dreams. Driven by their quest for a mythical place called the Orkneys, where they believe true love awaits, the sisters embark on an ambitious endeavor to dig a tunnel through a vast mountain range in search of it.
In the film, Bloom will portray Gareth Mulroney, an unruly former lover of the sisters, while Gleeson takes on the role of Timothy, a government-assigned social worker and emotional mediator. Timothy is assigned to help the sisters navigate their surreal lives after their story becomes the subject of tabloids.
Herzog’s remarks on the film have finally emerged, indicating that “Bucking Fastard” is a culmination of a trilogy that began with his acclaimed works “Fitzcarraldo” and “Grizzly Man.” He described the project as an operatic triptych, emphasizing that while we cannot fully understand how Jean and Joan perceive the world, we witness the various ways society responds to their unique circumstances—from legal battles to media attention, and the contrasting motivations of those who wish to assist them or exploit their story.
Werner Herzog, an iconic filmmaker, has an extensive career, directing 20 fiction films and 34 documentaries since 1968. Some of his most notable works include “Aguirre: The Wrath of God” and “Lessons of Darkness.” Although his last fiction release was “Family Romance, LLC” in 2019, many anticipate that “Bucking Fastard” may prove to be one of his most intriguing projects in recent years.
With the film looking to find distributors at the Cannes market next month, there is a sense of excitement as Herzog returns to the spotlight with this ambitious narrative. The movie holds promise not only due to its engaging premise but also because of the caliber of talent involved, particularly the unique storyline shared by the Mara sisters. Fans of Herzog’s work and the film industry alike will be keen to see how this creative endeavor unfolds.