The Private World Of Rooney Mara And Joaquin Phoenix: 5 Must-Know Updates On Their Family, New Films, And Rare 2025 Appearances

In a world of constant celebrity oversharing, actors Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix have meticulously guarded their relationship, making every rare public appearance and professional collaboration a significant event. As of December 18, 2025, the famously private couple has unveiled several major updates, including a rare red-carpet outing, multiple new film projects together, and the quiet expansion of their family. Their commitment to their craft and their shared passion for activism continues to define their powerful, yet understated, presence in Hollywood.

The couple, who first met on the set of the 2013 sci-fi drama Her, have transitioned from co-stars to a deeply committed partnership, one that prioritizes privacy, veganism, and a shared artistic vision. Their latest news confirms they are not only continuing to work together on screen but are also navigating parenthood while maintaining their status as two of the most respected—and enigmatic—performers of their generation.

Complete Profile: The Enigmatic Powerhouses

Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix are celebrated for their intense, transformative performances and their unwavering commitment to social and environmental causes, particularly animal rights. Below is a detailed look at the two artists.

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Rooney Mara

• Full Name: Patricia Rooney Mara
• Born: April 17, 1985 (Age 40 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Bedford, New York, U.S.
• Notable Roles: Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011), Therese Belivet in Carol (2015), Mary Magdalene in Mary Magdalene (2018).
• Key Awards/Nominations: Nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Actress for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Best Supporting Actress for Carol) and a Golden Globe Award. Won Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival for Carol.
• Activism: Co-founder of the vegan fashion line Hiraeth. A prominent animal rights activist.

Joaquin Phoenix

• Full Name: Joaquin Rafael Phoenix (formerly Leaf Phoenix)
• Born: October 28, 1974 (Age 51 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: San Juan, Puerto Rico, U.S.
• Notable Roles: Commodus in Gladiator (2000), Johnny Cash in Walk the Line (2005), Theodore Twombly in Her (2013), Arthur Fleck/Joker in Joker (2019).
• Key Awards/Nominations: Winner of one Academy Award (Best Actor for Joker), one British Academy Film Award (BAFTA), one Grammy Award, and two Golden Globe Awards.
• Activism: A lifelong vegan and outspoken animal rights advocate, frequently using his award acceptance speeches as a platform for environmental and social justice.

1. Their Rare 2025 Red Carpet Appearances and Shared Activism

In a significant departure from their usual practice of avoiding the spotlight, Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix stepped out for a rare red carpet appearance at the 2025 Venice Film Festival. The couple attended the premiere of The Voice of Hind Rajab, a short film documenting the tragic story of a six-year-old Palestinian girl. This choice of appearance underscores their shared commitment to using their platform for humanitarian and political causes, a consistent theme in their public lives.

Their presence at the prestigious festival was one of the few times they have been photographed together at a major event in 2025, immediately generating headlines for their united front. Furthermore, the two actors have also been associated with the Cannes Film Festival's Palme d'Or-winning short film, I'm Glad You're Dead Now, indicating their continued support for independent and impactful cinema. These rare outings serve as a powerful reminder that their relationship is built on shared ethical and artistic principles, far removed from typical Hollywood glamour.

2. Two Major New Film Collaborations: Polaris and The Island

Fans of the couple's on-screen chemistry—first seen in Her and later in Mary Magdalene—have two new projects to anticipate. Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix are set to reunite for not one, but two highly-anticipated films, cementing their status as a frequent creative partnership.

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• Polaris (Directed by Lynne Ramsay): This project marks a major reunion for Phoenix and acclaimed director Lynne Ramsay, who previously worked together on the dark thriller You Were Never Really Here. Mara's involvement in Polaris signals another intense, auteur-driven project for the couple, aligning with their preference for complex, independent cinema.
• The Island (Directed by Paweł Pawlikowski): The couple is also joining the cast of *The Island*, a new thriller from Oscar-winning Polish director Paweł Pawlikowski (known for Ida and Cold War). The film is reportedly set in the 1930s and centers on an American couple who try to create a private paradise on a remote island, only to find themselves entangled in a dark, murderous plot. This project promises to be a gripping showcase for their dramatic talents.

The decision to work together so frequently indicates a deep artistic trust and a shared vision for the kinds of stories they want to tell. This pattern of collaboration is unusual for A-list actors, highlighting the unique nature of their bond.

3. The Quiet Expansion of Their Family: Expecting Baby No. 2

The couple, who are known for keeping their personal life strictly private, are currently expecting their second child. This news, which first circulated in 2024, has been handled with the same discretion that has characterized their entire relationship.

Their first child, a son, was born in 2020 and given the name River. The name is a poignant and loving tribute to Joaquin's late older brother, the acclaimed actor River Phoenix, who passed away in 1993. The choice of name reflects the deep emotional significance of family and legacy for Phoenix. The impending arrival of "Baby No. 2" further solidifies their family unit, which they have successfully shielded from the intense media scrutiny that often follows celebrity couples.

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4. The Evolution of Their Relationship: From Co-Stars to Engaged Activists

The timeline of Mara and Phoenix’s romance is a testament to slow, organic development, rooted in shared professional experiences and values. They first met on the set of the Spike Jonze film Her in 2012, where they played a divorced couple. Phoenix later admitted he initially thought Mara disliked him, only to realize she was just shy.

Their relationship truly blossomed when they reunited on the set of the biblical drama Mary Magdalene in 2016, where Mara played the title role and Phoenix played Jesus. By 2017, they confirmed their romance at the Cannes Film Festival. The couple became engaged in 2019 and now reside together in the Hollywood Hills, maintaining a quiet, vegan lifestyle focused on their work and activism. Their shared veganism and commitment to animal rights are central to their lives, often seeing them attend protests and collaborate on documentaries like the 2020 film Gunda.

5. What’s Next: Beyond the Big Screen

While their upcoming film slate is packed, Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix are also exploring creative avenues outside of traditional acting. The duo is reportedly collaborating on an off-screen artistic project with the non-profit organization Ape, which focuses on animal protection. This venture highlights their dedication to using their artistic skills to further their ethical beliefs, moving beyond mere celebrity endorsement into genuine, creative partnership.

The sustained level of activity—from major film roles like Phoenix’s highly anticipated *Joker: Folie à Deux* and Mara’s individual projects, to their joint ventures and expanding family—suggests that this famously private couple is entering one of the most prolific and significant phases of their lives, all while keeping the fundamental details of their bond protected from the public eye.