5 Major Projects And Surprising Life Updates That Define Rooney Mara's 2025

The year 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the career and public life of Patricia Rooney Mara, the famously private and Oscar-nominated actress known for her transformative roles. After a period of focusing on independent cinema and her family life with partner Joaquin Phoenix, Mara is poised for a major return to the spotlight with a slate of highly anticipated, and often mysterious, film projects and a very rare public appearance at a major film festival. This article, updated in December 2025, delves into the confirmed and rumored projects that are set to redefine her enigmatic persona, cementing her status as one of Hollywood's most compelling and selective talents. Rooney Mara's deliberate choice of roles and her commitment to a low-key personal life make every new project a significant event. From a complex, multi-layered biopic to a reunion with her long-time collaborator, her 2025 schedule is packed with the kind of challenging, auteur-driven cinema that her dedicated fanbase craves.

Rooney Mara: A Full Biography and Profile

Patricia Rooney Mara is an American actress from Bedford, New York, known for her intense, often emotionally reserved performances and her commitment to independent filmmaking. She is a member of two prominent NFL families: her mother’s family founded the Pittsburgh Steelers, and her father’s family founded the New York Giants.

• Full Name: Patricia Rooney Mara
• Born: April 17, 1985 (Age 40 in 2025)
• Birthplace: Bedford, New York, U.S.
• Partner: Joaquin Phoenix (The couple has been together since 2016 and share a son, River.)
• Notable Accolades: Two Academy Award nominations (for *The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo* and *Carol*), two Golden Globe Award nominations, and a British Academy Film Award nomination.
• Career Breakthrough: Starring roles in *A Nightmare on Elm Street* (2010) and, more significantly, *The Social Network* (2010).
• Defining Role: Lisbeth Salander in David Fincher's *The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo* (2011), for which she received her first Oscar nomination.
• Activism: A passionate vegan and animal rights activist, Mara is known for her ethical fashion line, Hiraeth.

The Highly Anticipated 2025 Film Slate: A Trio of Auteur Collaborations

Rooney Mara’s upcoming projects are characterized by collaborations with some of the world’s most respected and unique cinematic voices. The focus is clearly on complex, character-driven narratives, a hallmark of her career.

1. The Audrey Hepburn Biopic: The Mystery Continues

Perhaps the most talked-about project linked to Mara is the untitled Apple Studios film where she is set to portray the iconic actress Audrey Hepburn. This project, which has been in development for several years, has Mara attached not only as the star but also as a producer. The film is to be directed by the Oscar-nominated Luca Guadagnino (*Call Me By Your Name*).

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The secrecy surrounding the production has only fueled public curiosity. Fans are eager to see how Mara, known for her intense, often dark characterizations (e.g., Lisbeth Salander), will embody the elegance and lighter spirit of Hepburn. This role is a significant departure and a massive career undertaking, with many anticipating a late 2025 or 2026 release that will be a strong contender in the awards season.

2. *Polaris*: The Phoenix-Mara Reunion

Mara is set to reunite on screen with her partner, Joaquin Phoenix, in the film *Polaris*, directed by the acclaimed Scottish filmmaker Lynne Ramsay (*You Were Never Really Here*). Ramsay confirmed that this project, which has been in the works for a long time, is still "alive" and moving forward. The plot details remain under tight wraps, which is typical for both Mara and Phoenix's projects.

The duo’s on-screen chemistry, first seen in *Mary Magdalene* and *Her*, is a major draw for audiences. The reunion with Ramsay, a director known for her dark, visceral style, suggests that *Polaris* will be a challenging and artistically ambitious piece of cinema, potentially premiering at a major festival in 2025 or early 2026.

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3. *Bucking Fastard*: The Sister Act with Werner Herzog

In a fascinating development, Rooney Mara is slated to star alongside her older sister, actress Kate Mara, in the film *Bucking Fastard*. The film is set to be directed by legendary German filmmaker Werner Herzog, known for his eccentric and profound works. The story reportedly centers on two inseparable twin sisters living on the fringes of society.

This marks a rare and significant on-screen collaboration for the Mara sisters, who share a powerful, understated screen presence. Working with a director of Herzog's stature guarantees a film that is anything but conventional, making *Bucking Fastard* one of the most intriguing titles on her upcoming roster.

Beyond the Big Screen: Rare 2025 Public Appearances and Personal Updates

While Mara is famously introverted and shies away from the Hollywood machine, her few public appearances in 2025 have been highly significant, offering a glimpse into her current focus and personal life.

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The 2025 Venice Film Festival Appearance

In a rare red-carpet moment, Rooney Mara attended the 2025 Venice Film Festival with Joaquin Phoenix. They were there for the premiere of *The Voice of Hind Rajab*, a short documentary. This appearance was a notable event, not just for the couple's quiet star power, but also for the political and humanitarian nature of the film they were supporting, underscoring their commitment to social causes.

Marriage Rumors and Vegan Activism

The relationship between Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix continues to be a topic of gentle speculation. Phoenix sparked marriage rumors when he referred to Mara as his "wife" in a public setting. The couple, who welcomed their first child, River, in 2020, are known for their deep connection and shared commitment to veganism and animal rights. Mara's dedication to her vegan lifestyle and sustainable fashion through her brand, Hiraeth, remains a central part of her identity, influencing her public profile as much as her film roles.

Her recent film, *La Cocina*, which screened at the 2024 Berlinale, also highlights her interest in socially conscious cinema, exploring kitchen power dynamics and the lives of undocumented workers.

Rooney Mara's Legacy and Future

Rooney Mara’s career is defined by her preference for artistic integrity over commercial appeal. She is an actor who transforms for a role, rather than relying on her public image. Her 2025 slate, featuring biopics, auteur-driven thrillers, and a collaboration with her sister, confirms her trajectory as a highly selective and profoundly talented artist.

As the Audrey Hepburn biopic and *Polaris* move closer to release, the anticipation for her next major, transformative performance is at an all-time high. Mara continues to prove that in the modern Hollywood landscape, true star power can be found in quiet intensity and a commitment to challenging, unique storytelling.