Why Werner Herzog's 'Bucking Fastard' Won't Premiere at Cannes 2026

Werner Herzog's Decision on Cannes 2026

Renowned filmmaker Werner Herzog's latest project, Bucking Fastard, will not be part of the upcoming Cannes Film Festival. Although the festival had invited Herzog to showcase his film in a non-competitive section, he chose to decline the offer. The director expressed disagreement with the festival's assessment of the film's status.

The drama features sisters Kate Mara and Rooney Mara in their first on-screen collaboration, portraying twins inspired by true events. The cast also includes notable actors Orlando Bloom and Domhnall Gleeson.

Details Behind the Cannes Decision

Werner Herzog declines Cannes 2026 invitation for Bucking Fastard

According to reports from Variety, a representative confirmed that Bucking Fastard had indeed been invited to the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. However, Herzog opted out due to the film's non-competitive screening status. A source revealed that the director aimed for the Mara sisters to be eligible for awards, which would not be feasible if the film was shown out of competition. Initially, the film was included in the festival's lineup announcement.

Last year, director Jim Jarmusch faced a similar situation when his film Father Mother Sister Brother was not given a competitive slot at Cannes, leading him to premiere it at the Venice International Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Golden Lion.

Exploring the Story of Bucking Fastard

More about Bucking Fastard

The film's narrative centers on twins Jean and Joan Holbrooke, who embark on a journey to find an imaginary land believed to hold true love. Their quest leads them to dig a tunnel through a mountain range. Herzog's inspiration came from the British twins Freda and Greta Chaplin, who gained notoriety in the 1980s due to a restraining order placed against them by a man they were both involved with. The film's title references a notable verbal slip made by the sisters during court proceedings.

Kate Mara described her experience working with Herzog and her sister Rooney as one of the highlights of her career. In an interview with Variety, she expressed that the filming experience was a "dream scenario," emphasizing the unique opportunity to share equal roles with her sister. The film was shot in picturesque locations across Ireland and Slovenia.