Rooney Mara’s 7 Shocking New Moves: Second Baby, Secret Marriage, And A Werner Herzog Reunion In 2025

Patricia Rooney Mara, the two-time Oscar nominee known for her intense, transformative roles, is currently at the center of a whirlwind of fresh, high-profile activity in December 2025. The notoriously private actress has recently made major headlines, not just for her compelling work on screen in new films like *La Cocina*, but also for significant, life-changing personal announcements.

From debuting a baby bump on the red carpet to a highly anticipated professional collaboration with her sister, this article dives deep into the most current and unique updates surrounding one of Hollywood's most enigmatic stars, providing a definitive profile of her life and career as of late 2025.

Patricia Rooney Mara: A Full Biography and Professional Profile

Rooney Mara was born Patricia Rooney Mara on April 17, 1985, in Bedford, New York. Her family lineage is one of the most storied in American professional sports, connecting her to two legendary NFL franchises.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

Her mother's family founded the Pittsburgh Steelers (the Rooney family), and her father's family founded the New York Giants (the Mara family).

This unique background meant she was raised in the world of high-stakes business and public life, though she initially pursued a different path, graduating from the Gallatin School of Individualized Study at New York University (NYU) in 2010.

• Full Name: Patricia Rooney Mara
• Born: April 17, 1985 (Age 40 as of 2025)
• Place of Birth: Bedford, New York, U.S.
• Parents: Timothy Christopher Mara and Kathleen McNulty (née Rooney)
• Sibling: Kate Mara (actress)
• Partner: Joaquin Phoenix
• Children: Son, River (born 2020), and a second child (expected 2025)
• Education: New York University (NYU)
• Key Early Films: *A Nightmare on Elm Street* (2010), *The Social Network* (2010)
• Breakthrough Role: Lisbeth Salander in *The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo* (2011) (Oscar Nomination)
• Second Oscar Nomination: Therese Belivet in *Carol* (2015)

Mara’s career is defined by her preference for challenging, often dark roles, establishing her as a serious dramatic actress. Her portrayal of the iconic hacker Lisbeth Salander in David Fincher's *The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo* earned her a first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She followed this with another nomination for Best Supporting Actress in Todd Haynes’ critically acclaimed lesbian romance, *Carol*, opposite Cate Blanchett.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

The Latest Personal Life Updates: Second Child and 'Wife' Status

The most significant and recent news surrounding Rooney Mara centers on her intensely private relationship with fellow actor and Oscar winner, Joaquin Phoenix. The couple, who met on the set of the film *Her* (2013) and later starred together in *Mary Magdalene* (2018), have a famously low-key life, making their public announcements all the more impactful.

1. Expecting Baby Number Two (2025)

In February 2024, Mara revealed she was pregnant with their second child while attending the premiere of her film *La Cocina* at the Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival).

This public debut of her baby bump confirmed the exciting news, with the baby expected sometime in 2025. The couple’s first child, a son named River, was born in 2020 and named in honor of Joaquin’s late brother, River Phoenix.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

2. The Ongoing 'Secret Marriage' Speculation

Despite being engaged since 2019, Mara and Phoenix have never publicly confirmed that they are married. However, the speculation reached a fever pitch in September 2024 when Phoenix referred to Mara as his "wife" during an appearance at the 2025 Venice International Film Festival.

This casual reference, made while they were attending the premiere of the documentary *The Voice of Hind Rajab*, has been widely interpreted as confirmation of a private wedding, solidifying their status as one of Hollywood’s most powerful yet reclusive couples.

Rooney Mara's New and Upcoming Film Projects (2025 & Beyond)

While her personal life is making headlines, Mara's professional career continues to thrive with a slate of unique and challenging projects, demonstrating her commitment to independent and auteur-driven cinema.

3. *La Cocina* (The Kitchen)

Her most recent film, *La Cocina*, premiered at the Berlinale in early 2024. The film, directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios, is a black-and-white drama set in the frantic environment of a Manhattan restaurant kitchen.

Mara’s role in this ensemble piece highlights her ability to inhabit complex, high-pressure environments, a common thread in her filmography that includes films like *Nightmare Alley* and *Women Talking*.

4. The Sister Act: *Bucking Fastard*

One of the most anticipated projects is *Bucking Fastard*, an upcoming American drama film written and directed by the legendary German filmmaker Werner Herzog.

The film is notable because it marks the first professional collaboration between Rooney Mara and her sister, actress Kate Mara. The two sisters, both successful in their own right, will star alongside Orlando Bloom and Domhnall Gleeson in the project, which is expected to be a major talking point upon its release.

5. Rare Red Carpet Appearance at Venice 2025

In September 2025, Mara and Phoenix made a rare joint red carpet appearance at the Venice International Film Festival. They attended the premiere of the short documentary *The Voice of Hind Rajab*.

This appearance underscored their shared commitment to humanitarian and social causes, a theme that has become increasingly central to both of their public personas, particularly their advocacy for animal rights.

6. The Unconventional Filmography: *The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo* Legacy

Even years after its release, Mara's performance as Lisbeth Salander remains a benchmark for complex female characters in cinema. Her dedication to the role—including a dramatic physical transformation—set the tone for her subsequent choices, including her Oscar-nominated turn in *Lion* and her work in Guillermo del Toro's psychological thriller *Nightmare Alley*.

Her film choices demonstrate a clear pattern: a preference for challenging material over commercial blockbusters, solidifying her status as a true artist in the contemporary film landscape.

7. Animal Rights Activism and Vegan Fashion

Beyond acting, Rooney Mara is a dedicated animal rights activist and a champion of ethical, vegan fashion. She co-founded the sustainable fashion brand Hiraeth, which focuses on cruelty-free and vegan clothing.

Her activism is not just a side project; it deeply influences her public appearances and professional choices, adding another layer of depth to her public profile. This commitment to ethical living is a core part of her identity, often aligning her with Joaquin Phoenix, who is also a prominent vegan activist.

As Rooney Mara navigates a new phase of her life in late 2025—balancing a second pregnancy with a demanding film schedule that includes *Bucking Fastard* and her recent work on *La Cocina*—she continues to exemplify the modern, multifaceted Hollywood star. Her unique blend of intense, transformative acting, coupled with a fiercely private personal life and strong ethical convictions, ensures she remains one of the most compelling figures in entertainment today.