Joaquin Phoenix is no stranger to intense storylines on screen, but this week, real life delivered its own twist.
Just as the actor continues to navigate the fallout from the disappointing reception of Joker 2, he’s now dealing with a more personal—and much more grounded—problem: theft at home.
Car Stolen From Joaquin’s Property While He Was Away
According to law enforcement sources who spoke with TMZ, Phoenix’s vehicle was stolen earlier this week from his Los Angeles-area home.
The incident reportedly happened on Monday, and it involved a 2022 Volvo SUV—worth about $60,000—that had been parked outside the property.
At the time of the theft, Phoenix wasn’t even home.
One of his employees stepped out, noticed the car was gone, and immediately contacted the police to report the incident.
It’s unclear whether the car was taken during the day or if the thief struck sometime overnight.
Investigation Still Ongoing, No Arrests Yet
So far, authorities haven’t made any arrests, but the investigation remains active.
There’s also no word on whether Phoenix’s wife, actress Rooney Mara, was home during the incident.
DailyMail.com has reached out to Phoenix’s team for a statement, though there’s been no official comment as of yet.
A Private Family Life With Rooney Mara
Phoenix and Mara have been living together since 2017, a year after they began dating.
The couple got engaged in 2019 and welcomed their first child, River—named in memory of Joaquin’s late brother—in 2020.
They had an even bigger year in 2023, quietly welcoming a second child in June, followed by their wedding in September.
Their professional relationship dates back even further, having starred together in the 2013 film Her.
They also appeared in Mary Magdalene and Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot, with their romance blossoming behind the scenes.
Joaquin’s Career Hits a Rocky Patch
While Phoenix is still widely respected for his acting chops—especially after his Oscar-winning turn in Joker—his recent projects haven’t made quite the same impact.
After Joker shattered box office records in 2019, earning over $1 billion, his subsequent films have struggled to follow that act.
In 2021, he took a quieter turn with C’mon C’mon, and in 2023, he starred in both Beau Is Afraid and Napoleon.
While both films drew attention, neither fared well financially.
Beau Is Afraid failed to recoup its $35 million budget, and although Napoleon grossed over $200 million, it still fell short once marketing costs were considered.
Apple, the film’s distributor, insists it turned a profit—largely thanks to digital revenue.
Joker Sequel Falls Flat at the Box Office
Perhaps most surprising was the underperformance of Joker 2, which despite the huge expectations and hype, only brought in just over $200 million—a shocking letdown for a comic book movie.
Critics also weren’t kind, delivering harsh reviews that stung even more considering the original’s critical acclaim.
A New Project on the Horizon
Despite the recent challenges, Phoenix isn’t slowing down.
He’s set to reunite with Hereditary and Midsommar director Ari Aster for a new film titled Eddington.
The upcoming Western, set in the present day, boasts a star-studded cast including Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, and Austin Butler.
It could be just the project Phoenix needs to bounce back.