Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix’s family is seemingly expanding as the actress was spotted cradling what appears to be a baby bump at the premiere of “La Cocina” during the Berlin International Film Festival in Germany. This suggests that Mara and Phoenix might be expecting their second child together.
The couple, who welcomed their first child, a baby boy named River, in 2020, named him after Phoenix’s late brother. While representatives for Mara and Phoenix have not yet confirmed the news about Mara’s pregnancy, this potential addition to their family marks their second child together.
In a previous interview with USA TODAY in 2023, Mara discussed how becoming a mother influenced her approach to her role in the Oscar-winning film “Women Talking.” She mentioned that when she first read the script, she had just become a mother herself, experiencing a “blissful” and “madly-in-love” phase with her child. Mara explained how this new phase in her life informed her portrayal of the character and deepened her understanding of certain situations depicted in the film.
“Having a child changes everything,” Mara expressed, highlighting how her newfound love and empathy as a mother influenced her performance in the movie. She shared how her personal experiences as a parent made it easier for her to connect with the character and empathize with the challenges portrayed in the story.
Despite their private nature, Mara and Phoenix have occasionally opened up about their family life. In a joint statement published in People magazine in 2020, they addressed the issue of children being separated from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border. As new parents themselves, Mara and Phoenix expressed empathy for the families affected by such separation, emphasizing the importance of addressing their plight and advocating for their reunification.
In a separate interview with The Sunday Times in 2021, Phoenix discussed his hopes for his son’s future, expressing his desire for him to adopt a vegan lifestyle like his parents. However, he emphasized that he would not impose his beliefs on his child, respecting his autonomy to make his own choices.
Mara and Phoenix first met on the set of the film “Her” in 2013 and later collaborated on projects such as “Mary Magdalene” (2018) and “Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot” (2018). While Mara attended the Berlin premiere of her latest film “La Cocina,” Phoenix is set to appear in the upcoming film “Joker: Folie à Deux,” scheduled for release later this year.
The couple’s journey into parenthood and their commitment to social causes reflect their shared values and deep connection as partners and parents. As they potentially prepare to welcome another child into their family, Mara and Phoenix continue to navigate their roles as public figures while prioritizing their privacy and the well-being of their loved ones.