Keira Knightley has been vocal about her complex feelings toward the iconic Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, which undoubtedly played a significant role in launching her career. During promotional events for her recent Netflix series, Black Doves, the actress expressed her ambivalence about her time with the swashbuckling films, hinting at the dual nature of her experience.
Orlando Bloom, who starred alongside Knightley as Will Turner, weighed in on her remarks. “It was such a huge moment in time... It feels almost like another lifetime now,” Bloom, 48, reflected during an interview with Entertainment Weekly. “But it certainly was unique, and, you know, I’m always grateful.” Knightley portrayed Elizabeth Swann, another pivotal character, alongside Bloom and Johnny Depp. Both actors stepped back from the franchise after the third installment but returned for cameo appearances years later.
Reflecting on her experience within the franchise, Knightley, now 39, noted, “I was seen as s--- because of them, and yet because they did so well I was...given the opportunity to do the films...that I ended up getting Oscar nominations for.” Prior to her breakout role as Elizabeth Swann in 2003’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Knightley had mostly appeared on British television and small films, but the franchise catapulted her to stardom.
Despite its financial success, the subsequent sequels received largely negative reviews, leading Knightley to express her conflicted feelings. “They were the most successful films I’ll ever be a part of, and they were the reason...that I was taken down publicly,” she shared, illuminating the mixed legacy the films left her with.
Looking forward, Knightley is set to star as Lo in the upcoming adaptation of Ruth Ware’s novel, The Woman in Cabin 10, which is scheduled to hit Netflix. The movie follows the story of Lo, a travel writer who embarks on what seems to be a serene cruise, only to find herself caught up in growing chaos.
With the prior success of her films, Knightley has drawn interest yet again, taking the lead character role. The film’s director, Simon Stone, known for his work on The Dig and The Daughter, will helm the project, promising another opportunity for Knightley to showcase her talents beyond the pirate genre.
Ware, the novel’s author, excitedly shared her thoughts about Knightley joining the cast on Instagram: “Nobody told me...one of the hardest things about being a writer would be KEEPING AMAZING SECRETS... Yes, THE Keira Knightley.” Her enthusiasm reflects the anticipation surrounding the film's production, which wrapped up in November 2024, though no release date has been set yet.
With Knightley’s rich portfolio and the multifaceted challenges of her past, her career continues to evolve. The anticipated Woman in Cabin 10 marks another step forward as she balances the successes and struggles of her earlier roles, including her time spent battling imaginary foes on the high seas.
Reflecting on her career's direction, Knightley is again set to step beyond her earlier experiences; there's no denying the bond between Knightley and the films she has been part of, which compelled her to rise above the trials they presented. The talented cast for The Woman in Cabin 10 includes Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Gitte Witt, and David Morrissey, forming what many expect to be another strong ensemble performance.
Knightley’s reflections on her roles, both celebrated and criticized, capture the arduous yet thrilling path of her career, as she prepares for her next projects. Despite past challenges, she remains dedicated to her craft, demonstrating resilience that's sure to resonate with audiences both old and new.