Keira Knightley’s rise to fame skyrocketed during her participation in the iconic Pirates of the Caribbean film series, yet the acclaimed actress is resolute in her disinterest in revisiting that lifestyle filled with intense public scrutiny and commitment to long-term productions.
The talented actress, who brought to life the character of Elizabeth Swann in several Pirates movies from 2003 to 2007, recently articulated her reservations about committing to another long-running film franchise during an insightful interview with the U.K.’s Times, published on Saturday. Knightley candidly revealed that her priorities have shifted dramatically since becoming a mother to two daughters, Edie and Delilah, whom she cherishes with her husband, musician James Righton.
“I couldn’t go job to job [abroad] now,” Knightley explained, candidly acknowledging the struggles of balancing her career and family life. “I wouldn’t be in any way fair to them, and I wouldn’t want to. I’ve chosen to have children, I want to bring them up, so I’ve had to take a major step back.”
Knightley reflected on her transformative years making the Pirates films, recognizing the significant role they played in catapulting her to stardom. Despite the film series making her a household name, she also expressed her complex feelings, noting that the franchise’s immense success was paradoxically the reason for her public downfall.
“It’s a funny thing when you have something that was making and breaking you at the same time,” Knightley remarked, highlighting the duality of her experience within the franchise that also starred Hollywood heavyweights Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom. “I was seen as shit 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. They were the most successful films I’ll ever be a part of, and they were the reason that I was taken down publicly. So they’re a very confused place in my head.”
The experience was so jarring and tumultuous that Knightley has a firm stance against diving back into demanding movie franchises: “The hours are insane. It’s years of your life, you have no control over where you’re filming, how long you’re filming, what you’re filming.”
While a new film series isn’t on her agenda, Knightley is gearing up to star in the upcoming Netflix thriller series Black Doves, where she will portray a British spy caught in a perilous love affair. The Oscar nominee shared that she is now focused on seeking roles that resonate as “pure entertainment,” reflecting her desire for a lighter narrative experience.
“I’ve been really surprised in the past few years about what I’ve said no to,” Knightley disclosed to The Times. “I’ve wanted it to be more pure entertainment and maybe that’s because I’ve needed that. I keep being offered things about children dying or about mothers dying. Can’t do it.”
Black Doves is set to make its streaming debut on Netflix on December 5, promising to deliver a fresh and riveting narrative for audiences.
What were some of the challenges Keira Knightley faced during her rise to fame with the *Pirates of the Caribbean* series?
**Interview with Keira Knightley: Reflections on Fame and Family**
**Interviewer:** Keira, thank you for joining us today. Your rise to fame with the *Pirates of the Caribbean* series marked a significant turning point in your career. How would you describe that experience now, looking back?
**Keira Knightley:** Thank you for having me. It was a whirlwind, to say the least. The success of *Pirates* really propelled me into the spotlight, making me a household name. However, it came with its own set of challenges. I often think of it as something that was both making and breaking me at the same time. It was an incredible opportunity, but the public scrutiny that came with it was overwhelming [[1](https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/keira-knightley-says-seen-due-231204161.html)].
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned that you’ve chosen to take a step back from long-running franchises since becoming a mother. Can you elaborate on how your priorities have shifted since then?
**Keira Knightley:** Absolutely. Since having my daughters, Edie and Delilah, my focus has changed dramatically. I realized that I couldn’t be traveling job to job, especially abroad. It just wouldn’t be fair to them or to me. I’ve made the conscious decision to prioritize my family life; I want to be present for my children as they grow up [[1](https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/keira-knightley-says-seen-due-231204161.html)].
**Interviewer:** That sounds like a significant transition. Has this shift changed the way you view your past work, particularly with *Pirates*?
**Keira Knightley:** Yes, it has. I look back on my time in *Pirates* with a mix of gratitude and reflection. It was transformative for my career, but I also experienced a level of public shaming during that time that left its mark on me. I’ve tried to erase those negative memories because they don’t define me. The duality of that success—how it can lift you up and also expose you—has taught me a lot about the industry and myself [[1](https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/keira-knightley-says-seen-due-231204161.html)].
**Interviewer:** It sounds like you’ve navigated a complex relationship with fame. What advice would you give to actors who are just starting out in the industry?
**Keira Knightley:** I would say it’s essential to maintain a strong sense of self and prioritize what truly matters to you. The industry can be harsh, and it can warp your perception of success. Stay grounded, and remember that it’s okay to step back and protect your personal life. Choose projects that align with your values and bring you joy [[1](https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/keira-knightley-says-seen-due-231204161.html)].
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Keira, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that your journey continues to inspire many, both in the industry and beyond.
**Keira Knightley:** Thank you! It’s been great to reflect on these experiences.