Werner Herzog Recruited His ‘Bucking Fastard’ Cast With Letters and Zoom Calls

Werner Herzog, the renowned filmmaker, has cast his "Bucking Fastard" film using an unconventional method. He sent the Mara sisters, Kate and Rooney Mara, a joint letter inviting them to star as siblings who share a strong bond, fall in love with the same person, and eventually spiral. The letter's content gave the sisters a rare glimpse into Herzog's creative process, making the casting experience particularly exciting.

Herzog's first narrative feature since 2019's "Family Romance, LLC," "Bucking Fastard" also marks the Mara sisters' first time sharing the big screen. Rooney Mara, who met Herzog for the first time, was not disappointed. She described him as someone who lives up to the hype and has a deep passion for his craft. She also shared that Herzog had an opinion on the abruptness of the film's ending, something the actress appreciated.

Rooney's sister, Kate, also played a significant role in the casting process. She and Rooney lobbied Herzog directly to cast Domhnall Gleeson, the actor's first appearance in a Herzog film. Gleeson, in turn, praised Herzog's financial discipline, stating that he never overruns his budget and always wraps early.

Lastly, Orlando Bloom, who joined the cast via Zoom, described Herzog's initial meeting as straightforward and clear about the stakes of the job. The film, according to Ben Croll's review in The Wrap, stays true to Herzog's style by not delving into the motivations of the central duo, leaving the audience to ponder the reasons behind their peculiar behavior.