Keira Knightley, renowned for her role as Elizabeth Swann in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise, has shared with PEOPLE that she is unlikely to return for any future instalments of the movie series. Speaking at The Woman in Cabin 10 special screening in London, Knightley, now 40, expressed her doubts about reprising her iconic character, despite her co-star Orlando Bloom expressing keenness for a cast reunion. The ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise, which premiered in 2003, follows the adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, and Elizabeth Swann. The fifth and final movie, ‘Dead Men Tell No Lies’, hit theatres in 2017.
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When questioned about the possibility of another sequel, Knightley revealed that there have been no discussions about her involvement. She nonchalantly remarked, “I think my pirating days are over. I think I definitely spent many years doing that and, you know, it was amazing, and I’m very pleased to have been a part of that, but I suspect that my swashbuckling days are done.” Despite this, Knightley humorously noted her swashbuckling appearance at the event, hinting at fond memories from her time as Elizabeth Swann.
Orlando Bloom, who played Will Turner in the franchise, recently indicated the importance of the original cast’s return for any future ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movie to succeed. Bloom emphasised the significance of a strong script and expressed his personal interest in a potential reunion. Furthermore, producer Jerry Bruckheimer discussed the potential for a sixth installment with Johnny Depp, indicating Depp’s role would hinge on the quality of the script.
While Knightley appears to have closed the chapter on ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, she has shown enthusiasm for a possible sequel to the 2002 film, ‘Bend It Like Beckham’. Director Gurinder Chadha has expressed her desire to release the second movie in 2027, and Knightley has shared her excitement at the prospect. Reflecting on the enduring legacy of the original film, Knightley acknowledged its impact, especially among young girls interested in football, who still approach her to discuss the movie.
In a blend of nostalgia and anticipation, Knightley mused about the sequel, hinting at the curiosity surrounding its development. With the original cast potentially reuniting for ‘Bend It Like Beckham 2’, Knightley’s sentiments echo those of the director, who emphasised the importance of a compelling script to engage the cast fully. The tale of ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ revolves around Jess Bhamra’s aspirations to pursue professional soccer, navigating familial expectations and personal dreams.
As Knightley contemplates her future projects, the actress’s reflections on past endeavours offer insight into her evolving career trajectory. While the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ journey may have sailed its course for Knightley, the prospect of revisiting a beloved classic like ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ evokes a sense of anticipation among fans and cast members alike. Knightley’s measured approach to selecting roles underscores her dedication to storytelling and the impact of cinematic narratives on audiences worldwide.