Sam Taylor-Johnson and Aaron Taylor-Johnson recently stepped out for a special event, and it wasn’t just the two of them this time. The couple was joined by Sam’s two eldest daughters, Angelica and Jessie, for their first-ever red carpet appearance as a family. The rare sighting took place at the New York City premiere of Aaron’s new movie, Kraven the Hunter.

Sam and Aaron’s relationship began in 2008 on the set of Nowhere Boy, Sam’s directorial debut. At the time, Sam was 42, and Aaron was just 18. Despite their 23-year age gap, the two fell in love, got engaged a year later, and welcomed two daughters, Wylda, now 14, and Romy, now 12, before tying the knot.

Sam also has two daughters from her previous marriage to art dealer Jay Jopling: Angelica, 25, and Jessie, who recently turned 18. Interestingly, Angelica is only six years younger than Aaron, making their family dynamic unique.

The family’s public appearance comes just months after both Sam and Aaron addressed the scrutiny surrounding their age difference. In May, Sam spoke candidly about how strange she finds the focus on age gaps in relationships. “When people make films or talk about it or question it or dissect it, it is so strange to me,” she shared in an interview. “When people fall in love, they fall in love.”

She also reflected on the early days of their relationship, recalling how many people doubted them. Everyone at the beginning said, “It’s a terrible idea, it’s not gonna work,” and then you’re like 15 years down the road and have raised four kids and you’re like, “Really?” she said.

Aaron also shared his perspective on their relationship earlier this year. In an interview, he opened up about being judged for the choices he made at a young age. “What you gotta realize, is that what most people were doing in their twenties, I was doing when I was 13,” he explained, hinting at his early maturity. “You’re doing something too quickly for someone else? I don’t understand that. What speed are you supposed to enjoy life at? It’s bizarre to me,” he shared. 

Despite being married for over a decade and raising four children together, the couple has often faced judgment from the public. The speculation reignited after a video surfaced from a movie premiere, showing Aaron posing for photos with his family. Fans quickly began debating, with some suggesting he appeared to have more chemistry with his stepdaughter than his wife. Many even commented, “Interaction with daughter looks uncomfortable.”

Regardless of what other people may think of this couple, love is about finding someone who genuinely makes you happy, not about living up to their expectations.