Keira Knightley’s Stunning Pirates of the Caribbean Photos Resurface—And the Internet Is Obsessed

Recently, a series of behind-the-scenes photos featuring Keira Knightley on the set of the early Pirates of the Caribbean films have resurfaced online, sparking widespread admiration and discussion among fans. The images, showcasing Knightley in costume as Elizabeth Swann, have reignited appreciation for her beauty, talent, and the character’s impact on the beloved Disney franchise.

keira knightley in pirates of the caribbean pic.twitter.com/yIvroT4hY7

— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) February 3, 2025

Fans Marvel at Knightley’s Timeless Beauty

Keira Knightley was only 17 when she was cast in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), and by the time of its release, she had just turned 18. Fans have been gushing over how stunning she looked in the early 2000s films, with many taking to social media to express their admiration.

One Twitter user wrote, “This woman is frighteningly beautiful in these mid-2003-2004 movies, when she’s 19-20 years old.” Another added, “The girl served and hasn’t stopped.” Many have praised her elegance, charisma, and ability to hold her own in a franchise dominated by male leads.

Knightley’s portrayal of Elizabeth Swann was widely celebrated, as she evolved from a governor’s daughter into a fierce, self-sufficient pirate by the third film, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007).

A Character with Wasted Potential? Fans Debate Elizabeth Swann’s Arc

While most fans are reminiscing about Knightley’s brilliance in the role, some have expressed frustration over the way Elizabeth’s story played out. One fan lamented, “They made her a pirate to end up being a housewife… What potential did it have and how they wasted it?”

Elizabeth Swann was introduced as a strong-willed and intelligent young woman who, by the third film, had become a pirate captain and the Pirate King. However, her story concluded with her settling down on an island while Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) was bound to the Flying Dutchman, only able to visit her once every ten years.

Some fans believe this ending undermined her transformation into a fearless pirate, while others argue that it was a fitting, bittersweet resolution. Nevertheless, her journey from noblewoman to pirate remains one of the most memorable aspects of the franchise.

Johnny Depp Controversy: A Divided Fanbase

Not all reactions to the resurfaced images were positive, as some fans brought up their conflicted feelings about revisiting the Pirates of the Caribbean films due to Johnny Depp’s controversial legal battles. One fan commented, “We got this absolute diva, but I can’t bring myself to watch those movies again because of Johnny Depp’s ugly ass.”

Depp, who portrayed Captain Jack Sparrow, has been at the center of much debate following his legal disputes with ex-wife Amber Heard. While many fans continue to support him and his role in the franchise, others have distanced themselves from the films due to the controversy.

Keira Knightley’s Reflections on Pirates of the Caribbean

As interest in Knightley’s Pirates of the Caribbean role resurfaces, so do her past comments on the franchise. In a 2024 interview, she reflected on her experience, acknowledging both the opportunities and challenges it brought.

“They considered me a joke because of those movies… But because they did so well, they gave me the opportunity to make films that eventually got me Oscar nominations,” Knightley said. She admitted that the franchise “was both making me and destroying me at the same time.”

Despite the struggles, Knightley has always spoken highly of her time on the films and the friendships she formed. However, she also mentioned that she was relieved to leave behind the intense spotlight that came with starring in such a massive franchise at a young age.

Orlando Bloom Defends Keira Knightley

Following Knightley’s remarks, her Pirates co-star Orlando Bloom defended her, stating that he understood her perspective. Bloom, who played Will Turner, praised Knightley’s performance and the lasting legacy of their characters.

“I completely understand what Keira meant. It was a defining time for all of us, but it also came with a lot of pressure. She was phenomenal in those films, and I have nothing but admiration for her,” Bloom stated in a recent interview.

A Lasting Legacy

The resurfaced set photos serve as a reminder of just how iconic Keira Knightley was in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Whether it’s admiration for her beauty, nostalgia for the early 2000s era, or debates over her character’s fate, it’s clear that Elizabeth Swann remains one of the most beloved female leads in modern adventure cinema.

As discussions continue, one thing remains certain—Keira Knightley’s portrayal of Elizabeth Swann left an unforgettable mark on film history.