Orlando Bloom is showing support for his former co-star, Keira Knightley, after she recently opened up about her mixed feelings toward the iconic Pirates of the Caribbean film series. During interviews, both actors reflected on their experiences and the conflicting impressions left by their work on the franchise.
Bloom, 48, addressed Knightley’s comments to Entertainment Weekly, stating, "It was such a huge moment in time... it feels almost like another lifetime now." He reminisced about the unique experience of filming the beloved Disney series alongside Knightley, who is now 39. Bloom continued, saying, "But it certainly was unique and, you know, I’m always grateful." He also empathized with Knightley’s perspective, stating, "I definitely understand where Keira was coming from, and she does wonderful things... I have a lot of positive takeaways."
Both actors starred as central figures—Knightley as Elizabeth Swann and Bloom as Will Turner—in the first three installments of the franchise: 2003’s The Curse of the Black Pearl, 2006’s Dead Man’s Chest, and 2007’s At World’s End. They later returned for cameos in 2017's Dead Men Tell No Tales.
Reflecting on her experiences, Knightley shared her tumultuous feelings during her interview with The Times. She revealed she often felt "seen as shit" because of her role, even though those films paved the way for her future endeavors, including works for which she received Oscar nominations. "It’s a funny thing when you have something making and breaking you at the same time. They were the most successful films I’ll ever be part of and the reason I was taken down publicly. So they’re a very confused place in my head," she expressed.
Knightley’s comments highlight the harsh criticisms she encountered during her rise to fame, which included body-shaming and accusations of having eating disorders. Her candidness about the toll the franchise took on her mentally—which she later admitted included treatment for post-traumatic stress—has sparked conversations about the impact of fame and public scrutiny on young actors.
Despite the challenges faced by both actors, Bloom remains positive about their time together. He reflected on the legacy of Pirates of the Caribbean, stating, "I’m happy I got to be part of something feel like it's standing the test of time, which is cool." He also mentioned he hasn’t completely ruled out returning as Will Turner for future projects. "Listen, it was a wild and fun experience... never say never," he said.
Bloom has noted the excitement surrounding potential new films connected to the franchise. Jerry Bruckheimer, the producer of all five Pirates films, confirmed plans for both a reboot and a spinoff featuring Margot Robbie. "I’ve heard [Jerry’s] pretty excited about it," Bloom shared, hinting at the collaborative spirit behind its resurgence.
The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise garnered immense success, grossing over $654 million worldwide, exposing both stars to escalated fame and pressure. While the franchise has certainly carved out its legacy, the conversations surrounding it also reflect the more complex narratives of success, mental health, and industry dynamics.
Fans have rallied around Keira Knightley, praising her portrayal and recognizing both the role and its formidable challenges. Many still view her as "perfect for the role," demonstrating the enduring love audiences have for the films, regardless of the controversies surrounding their production.
With Bruckheimer planting seeds for the future of the franchise, both Bloom and Knightley will continue to be connected through this cornerstone of cinematic history. Their different experiences illuminate the dichotomy of success and criticism, making their stories resonate on multiple levels.