Dalton Gomez didn't stay in the "sad ex-husband" lane for very long. Honestly, after a divorce from one of the biggest pop stars on the planet, most people expected him to vanish back into the high-end real estate world of Los Angeles. Instead, he’s been making headlines for a very different reason.
If you've been scrolling through Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen the photos. Dalton Gomez new girlfriend isn't just a random socialite; she’s Maika Monroe, the "Scream Queen" herself.
They aren't exactly hiding it anymore. Just a few days ago, on January 12, 2026, Maika shared a massive photo dump from their New Year’s trip to Brazil. We’re talking steamy beach kisses, motorcycle rides, and sunset dinners. It’s a far cry from the private, tucked-away life Dalton seemed to lead during the Ariana years.
Who Exactly Is Maika Monroe?
Most people recognize Maika from her breakout role in the cult horror hit It Follows. She's basically horror royalty at this point, having starred in Longlegs and Watcher. But there’s a lot more to her than just running from monsters on screen.
She was actually a professional kiteboarder before the Hollywood bug bit her. She even moved to the Dominican Republic as a teenager to train. That's some serious grit.
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Before Dalton, she was in a very long-term, five-year relationship with Stranger Things star Joe Keery. They were a fan-favorite couple, always looking effortlessly cool at Paris Fashion Week or the SAG Awards. They split somewhere between late 2022 and early 2023, which, if you’re keeping track of the timeline, was right around the same time Dalton and Ariana’s marriage started hitting the skids.
The Timeline: How Dalton and Maika Actually Started
The internet first caught wind of this in October 2023. TMZ published photos of them at a dive bar called Jumbo's Clown Room in LA, and they weren't just chatting about real estate. They were full-on making out.
It felt fast to some. Dalton and Ariana had only filed for divorce in September 2023, though they’d been separated since January of that year. People were quick to jump to conclusions, but honestly, both parties seemed to have moved on months before the paperwork was even signed. While Ariana was heading to the UK for Wicked and eventually linking up with Ethan Slater, Dalton was apparently finding his own footing back in California.
- October 2023: First spotted kissing at a bar in Los Angeles.
- May 2024: Seen looking very cozy at LAX airport.
- June 2024: They finally went "Instagram Official." Maika posted a shot of them kissing in a crosswalk and another snuggling by the sea.
- January 2026: The Brazil trip. They are clearly still very much a thing.
Why This Relationship Is Different from the Ariana Era
When Dalton was with Ariana, it felt... different. It was the height of the pandemic. They were holed up in a house, away from the cameras. When the world opened back up, the cracks started to show. Reports suggested Dalton, a "normie" real estate agent, struggled with the level of fame and the intense schedule that comes with being married to a global superstar.
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With Maika, it feels a bit more "low-key high-key." She’s famous, sure, but it’s a different kind of fame. It’s indie-movie-cool rather than stadium-tour-chaos. They seem to share a vibe that’s more about traveling to South America with friends than navigating a phalanx of paparazzi.
Addressing the Split Rumors
You can’t be a celebrity couple without people predicting your breakup every three weeks. In April 2025, Reddit was absolutely buzzing with rumors that they had split. Why? Because they hadn't been seen together in a few months.
Social media can be a bit of a lie, though. Just because they aren't posting every sandwich they eat together doesn't mean they're over. Those rumors were quickly shut down when Dalton was spotted on the set of Maika’s new movie, Reminders of Him. Fast forward to the start of 2026, and their Brazilian vacation photos have pretty much silenced the doubters.
What This Means for Dalton’s Reputation
For a while, the narrative around Dalton was pretty rough. Fans of Ariana were dissecting Eternal Sunshine lyrics, looking for any hint that he was the "bad guy."
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But seeing him in a steady, seemingly healthy relationship for over two years now has shifted that. He doesn't seem to be chasing the spotlight—he doesn't even have a public Instagram. He’s just the guy in the background of Maika’s photos, looking happy and covered in tattoos.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're following this saga, here is how to keep up without falling for the "fake news" traps:
- Watch the Grid, Not the Stories: Maika tends to post "official" updates on her main Instagram grid. If they break up, those photos are usually the first to go.
- Ignore the "Inches" of Silence: Just because a couple goes quiet for three months doesn't mean it's over. These two clearly value a bit of a "normal" life outside of the industry.
- Check the Project Timeline: Maika is currently filming or promoting several projects, including the sequel to It Follows. Dalton often shows up to support her at screenings, which is a better indicator of their status than any "insider" quote.
The reality is that Dalton Gomez new girlfriend isn't new anymore. Maika Monroe and Dalton have outlasted the "rebound" labels and proved they are a legitimate couple. Whether you’re a fan of her movies or just curious about how a real estate agent navigates the Hollywood dating pool, it’s clear these two are starting 2026 on a very high note.