5 Shocking Revelations About Joaquin Phoenix And Rooney Mara's Private Life: From Baby No. 2 To Their Secret Film Project

The world's most intensely private Hollywood couple, Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara, continue to fascinate fans and media alike with their fiercely guarded relationship. In a rare and highly-publicized moment, the acting powerhouses stepped out together in September 2025, confirming their enduring bond and offering a few tantalizing glimpses into their quiet life, which includes a second baby on the way and a string of powerful, purpose-driven professional collaborations. The couple’s commitment to privacy is legendary, making every public appearance and project announcement a major event for those trying to piece together the life of the two Oscar-nominated stars.

This article dives deep into the most recent, verified, and updated information about the couple as of today, December 18, 2025, from their latest red carpet appearance to the highly anticipated film projects they are undertaking together. Their relationship, which began on the set of a film about isolation and love, has become a beautiful contradiction: a high-profile, low-key partnership in an industry obsessed with exposure.

The Private Profiles: Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara Biography

The foundation of their intense connection is built on shared values, a mutual commitment to veganism and animal rights activism, and a dedication to their craft that often transcends the mainstream. Before their paths intertwined, both actors had already established themselves as two of the most respected and enigmatic figures in modern cinema.

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Joaquin Phoenix: The Enigmatic Auteur

• Full Name: Joaquin Rafael Phoenix
• Date of Birth: October 28, 1974
• Place of Birth: San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Key Filmography Highlights: Gladiator (2000), Walk the Line (2005), The Master (2012), Her (2013), Joker (2019), Beau Is Afraid (2023), Napoleon (2023).
• Awards: Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Actor (Joker), Golden Globe Awards, BAFTA.
• Personal Life Note: Named after his late, beloved brother, the actor River Phoenix, who passed away in 1993.

Rooney Mara: The Quiet Activist

• Full Name: Patricia Rooney Mara
• Date of Birth: April 17, 1985
• Place of Birth: Bedford, New York, USA
• Key Filmography Highlights: The Social Network (2010), The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011), Side Effects (2013), Her (2013), Carol (2015), Mary Magdalene (2018).
• Awards: Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress (Carol), multiple Oscar nominations.
• Personal Life Note: Born into two prominent American sports families (the Rooneys of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Maras of the New York Giants).

The Relationship Timeline: From Co-Stars to Expecting Parents

The couple's journey began with a professional collaboration that blossomed into a deep, lasting personal bond. Their first meeting was on the set of the 2013 Spike Jonze film Her, where they played a divorced couple.

1. The Quiet Beginning: Her (2013) and Mary Magdalene (2018)

While they first met on Her, it wasn't until they reunited on the set of the biblical drama Mary Magdalene, where Mara played the title role and Phoenix played Jesus, that their relationship truly ignited. They confirmed their romance in 2017 and moved into a shared home in the Hollywood Hills shortly thereafter, keeping the details of their life entirely out of the public eye.

2. Engagement and Baby River (2019–2020)

The couple got engaged in 2019. In late 2020, they welcomed their first child, a son named River, a poignant tribute to Joaquin’s late brother, River Phoenix. The news of their son’s birth was quietly revealed by director Victor Kossakovsky at the Zurich Film Festival.

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3. Rare Red Carpet Date Night at Venice (2025)

In a move that caught media attention globally, the couple made a rare public appearance together at the 2025 Venice Film Festival. They attended the premiere of the short documentary The Voice of Hind Rajab, a film about a six-year-old Palestinian girl, highlighting their continued commitment to humanitarian and political causes. This highly-anticipated sighting served as a subtle confirmation that their private life remains strong and focused on their shared values.

The Future: Baby Number Two and Their Most Anticipated Projects

The couple’s professional and personal lives are now intertwined, with several major developments making headlines in late 2024 and 2025. Their commitment to meaningful, often challenging, cinema continues to define their careers.

Expecting Their Second Child

The most recent and exciting news is the confirmation that Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara are expecting their second baby together. While they have not publicly announced a due date, the news of the pregnancy has been widely reported. The expansion of their family reinforces the stability and depth of their relationship, adding another layer to their private life as parents to a new baby and their son, River. This second child will further solidify their status as a dedicated family unit away from the Hollywood glare.

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The Secret Film Project: Polaris

One of the most highly anticipated upcoming film projects for the couple is Polaris, a long-gestating project directed by the acclaimed Lynne Ramsay. Ramsay recently confirmed that the film is still "alive" and moving forward, with both Phoenix and Mara attached to star. The film, which will be scored by Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood, promises to be a dark and complex cinematic experience, fitting the artistic sensibilities of both actors. The potential for another on-screen collaboration between the two, following Her and Mary Magdalene, has generated significant buzz among cinephiles.

New Executive Producer Roles

Beyond acting, the couple is using their influence to support powerful, independent cinema. In a recent development, both Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara have boarded the Cannes Film Festival’s short film Palme d’Or winner, I’m Glad You’re Dead Now, as executive producers. This move shows their desire to champion unique voices and socially conscious filmmaking, using their platform to bring attention to compelling stories outside of the mainstream studio system. Their involvement as executive producers is a clear sign of their evolving roles within the industry.

Topical Authority: Why Their Privacy Matters

Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara have effectively created a unique template for celebrity couples: one of extreme privacy, where their work speaks louder than their personal lives. Their deliberate choice to avoid the typical Hollywood spotlight allows them to maintain a sense of normalcy and focus on their shared passions, particularly their animal rights activism and vegan lifestyle. They have used their platform not for self-promotion, but for advocacy, such as their work with the Farm Sanctuary. Their relationship is a testament to finding a deep, meaningful connection in a chaotic industry, proving that true love and a successful career can coexist without constant public scrutiny. This commitment to a low-key existence only heightens the public's curiosity and makes every verified update, like the news of their second child and their rare 2025 appearances, all the more impactful.

The private life of Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara, while rarely seen, is clearly thriving. From expanding their family to championing challenging new film projects, this couple remains one of the most compelling and influential duos in modern entertainment. The anticipation for their second baby and the release of their collaborative film Polaris ensures that their quiet power will continue to resonate for years to come.