Orlando Bloom is sharing his thoughts on Keira Knightley’s recent comments about her complicated relationship with the Pirates of the Caribbean films.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Bloom acknowledged how much time has passed since the Disney franchise first launched.
"It was such a huge moment in time that is almost like … it feels almost like another lifetime now," he said. "But it certainly was unique and, you know, I’m always grateful."
Bloom, 48, played Will Turner in the first three Pirates movies, starring alongside Knightley as Elizabeth Swann and Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow. While both actors skipped the fourth installment, On Stranger Tides (2011), they made brief appearances in Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017).
Addressing Knightley’s mixed feelings, Bloom was understanding. "I definitely understand where Keira was coming from, and she does wonderful things," he shared. "I have a lot of positive takeaways."
Knightley’s Complex Relationship with Pirates
While promoting her Netflix series Black Doves in late 2024, Knightley, 39, opened up about the dual impact of Pirates of the Caribbean on her career. Speaking with The Times, she admitted that the films "were making and breaking" her at the same time.
"I was seen as ... because of them," she said, "and yet because they did so well, I was given the opportunity to do the films that I ended up getting Oscar nominations for."
Before landing her role in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), Knightley had primarily worked in British television and smaller film roles. The film’s massive success catapulted her to stardom, and just two years later, she received an Academy Award nomination for Pride and Prejudice (2005).
However, as the franchise continued, critical reception declined. Knightley admitted the experience left her with conflicted emotions.
"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 said. "So they’re a very confused place in my head."
Despite the mixed emotions, Bloom and Knightley’s performances remain an iconic part of the franchise’s legacy. And as the Pirates series continues to evolve, their impact on the saga — and Hollywood — endures.
