Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara are said to have fallen for each other while filming their new movie.
The Hollywood stars have been shooting the biblical epic Mary Magdalene over recent months, and Joaquinwho plays the role of Jesusand Rooneywho features as the titular characterare said to have found love on set.
Although a rep for the famously reclusive Joaquin, 42, has insisted the duo are merely good friends, having previously worked together on the Spike Jonze-directed 'Her', a source close to the situation has told the New York Post newspaper that they skipped the recent Golden Globes ceremony in order to spend time 'together in the desert'.
An epic love story: Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara are said to have fallen for each other while filming their new movie (seen here in Italy in November 2013)
What's more, the insider revealed Rooney and Joaquin have been spending an increasing amount of time together after 'they found love on the set' late last year.
The much-anticipated new movie was shot in Italy and during filming breaks, Joaquin and Rooney were spotted hanging out together, including one time when they were seen smoking on the balcony of their hotel room.
Rooney, 31, has been in a six-year relationship with director Charlie McDowell, but the duo have not been seen together in months and her representative declined to comment on her relationship status.
The Hollywood stars have been shooting the biblical epic Mary Magdalene over recent months, and Joaquinwho plays the role of Jesusand Rooneywho features as the titular characterare said to have found love on set (seen filming in November in Italy)
Meanwhile, Joaquin has previously claimed he's never experienced heartbreak from any of his past relationships.
While promoting 'Her', the critically acclaimed actor explained: 'I've never had one of those relationships.
'I've never had one which ended that I felt heartbroken and consumed by. The closest I've got is getting my ego bruised a little bit. But I've never had the experience of, 'That was somebody I really loved and I'm not done.'
'I've had unrequited love. I've definitely been like, 'I love you,' and they don't feel the same. But I've never been in a relationship and been heartbroken.'
Daily Mail