‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Star Confirms They’re Out of the Next Movie

Keira Knightley has confirmed she won’t be returning as Elizabeth Swann for any new Pirates of the Caribbean films. Speaking to PEOPLE at a special screening of The Woman in Cabin 10 in London on September 25, the 40-year-old actress said she has no plans to revisit the role she first played in 2003.

Knightley’s character, Elizabeth Swann, was central to the original action-packed story, which followed Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) and Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) as they rescued her from pirate Hector Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) aboard the Black Pearl. The franchise’s fifth movie, Dead Men Tell No Tales, hit theaters in 2017.

When asked if there have been any discussions about a new installment, Knightley said, “There haven’t. I actually just heard that for the first time just then so there you go, but no there are no conversations.”

She added, “You know 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… but I do look quite swashbuckling tonight!”

Orlando Bloom recently expressed his hope for a reunion of the original cast. Speaking at the 2025 Fan Expo Chicago, he said, “Everything is in the writing, right? Everything is on the page, and I think there’s definitely, I’m sure there’s a way to create something. I would personally love to see everybody back. I think the way to win on that one is to get everybody back. If they can, and if everybody wanted to go back.”

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer also shared that he’s discussed a potential sixth film with Johnny Depp. “If he likes the way the part’s written, I think he would do it,” Bruckheimer said. “It’s all about what’s on the page, as we all know.”

While Knightley has officially stepped away from the franchise, discussions about the series’ future continue, leaving the door open for other original cast members or new characters to take the helm.

It makes sense that Knightley has moved on, she spent over a decade growing with the role, and it’s natural for actors to explore new projects. At the same time, a full reunion of the original cast could excite longtime fans. What do you think about her decision to step away? Share your thoughts in the comments.