Keira Knightley talked about the disturbing comments and personal violations she was forced to endure following her starring role inPirates of the Caribbean. In thePirates of the Caribbeanmovies, Knightley played Elizabeth Swann, the adventurous daughter of a British Governor who becomes a pirate and partakes in various adventures with characters like Jack Sparrow and Will Turner. While Knightley played one of the leads inthePirates of the Caribbeanfilms, she had a much different experience than her co-stars sinceshe was only 17 when she first got the role.
In an interview with theLos Angeles Times, Knightley talked about what it was like to star in such a massive movie franchise when she was so young. While she is grateful for the career thePirates of the Caribbeanmovies provided her,she explained that it was difficult to experience that level of fame when she was only a teenager. Read her full comments below:
It’s very brutal to have your privacy taken away in your teenage years, early 20s, and to be put under that scrutiny at a point when you are still growing. Having said that, I wouldn’t have the financial stability or the career that I do now without that period. I had a five-year period between the age of 17 and 21-ish, and I’m never going to have that kind of success again. It totally set me up for life. Did it come at a cost? Yes, it did. It came at a big cost. Knowing the cost, could I, in all good conscience, say to my kid, you should do that? No. But am I grateful for it? Yes. But then that’s life, isn’t it? Luckily, my kids are completely uninterested.
Knightley alsodetailed being stalked by men, and reflected on the disturbing things different people would say to her. Read her full account below:
My jaw dropped at the time. I didn’t think it was OK at the time. I was very clear on it being absolutely shocking. There was an amount of gaslighting to be told by a load of men that ‘you wanted this.’ It was rape speak. You know, ‘This is what you deserve.’ It was a very violent, misogynistic atmosphere. They very specifically meant I wanted to be stalked by men. Whether that was stalking because somebody was mentally ill, or because people were earning money from it — it felt the same to me. It was a brutal time to be a young woman in the public eye. Social media has put that in a whole other context, when you look at the damage that’s been done to young women, to teenage girls. Ultimately, that’s what fame is — it’s being publicly shamed. A lot of teenage girls don’t survive that.
How Pirates Of The Caribbean Fame Affected Keira Knightley
There Were Downsides To Starring InPirates Of The Caribbean
The first threePirates of the Caribbeanmovies, all of which Knightley had a leading role in, were massive successes both critically and commercially. Therefore, after the release of the first film,Knightley became one of the most popular movie stars in the world. That newfound fame would be a lot for anyone to handle, but Knightley’s comments prove that it was especially difficult for her since she was so young at the time.
Pirates of the Caribbean: How Old Will & Elizabeth Are In Each Movie
Elizabeth Swann and Will Turner were the lead couple in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, and here’s how old they were through the film series.
Knightley talked about how people would stalk her but then put the blame on her, suggesting that she was asking to be stalked since she was a famous actor. Years after she initially appeared in thePirates of the Caribbeanfranchise, she even admitted that she would never want her children to pursue a career in acting until they were fully grown adults. Knightley’s performance asElizabeth Swann inPirates of the Caribbeanwas loved by many, but it is important to realize how difficult it was for her at the time.
Our Take On Keira Knightley’s Comments About Her Pirates Of The Caribbean Fame
Keira Knightley Speaking Up Is A Good Thing
As Knightley mentioned, some people would not be able to endure the abuse that she experienced after starring in thePirates of the Caribbeanmovies. It is relieving that Knightley can talk about her experiences as a young actor in such a healthy way. Furthermore, it is good that she is opening up about her early career now since her story will likely help other people all over the world.
Source:Los Angeles Times
Pirates of the Caribbean
A series of fantasy swashbuckler films produced by Disney, featuring the adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow. Known for its supernatural elements, high-seas action, and iconic characters, the franchise has become a cultural phenomenon and was loosely based on the Disney theme park ride of the same name.
