Rediscovering Keira Knightley: 11 Lesser-Known Roles Uncovered

British actress Keira Knightley has made a notable return to the spotlight, primarily due to her recent performances in Netflix productions, including the festive spy thriller Black Doves and the gripping mystery drama The Woman In Cabin 10. Over her three-decade career, Knightley has starred in numerous acclaimed films, including Bend It Like Beckham, Love Actually, and the Pirates Of The Caribbean series. Despite her impressive portfolio, some of her earlier roles may have faded from public memory. Here are eleven performances that showcase the breadth of her talent.

Early Appearances: From Childhood Roles to Iconic Characters

Knightley’s acting journey began at a young age. At just ten years old, she appeared in an episode of The Bill in 1995, portraying Sheena Rose, a girl from a troubled background who becomes involved in a robbery. This early role set the stage for her future in the industry.

Her next significant appearance came in the 1999 television adaptation of Oliver Twist, where she played Rose Maylie. Sharing screen time with notable actors such as Julie Walters and Andy Serkis, Knightley’s role marked her transition from television to film.

She made a memorable entry into the cinematic world with a role in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, also released in 1999. Portraying a handmaiden to Padmé Amidala, Knightley was cast partly due to her striking resemblance to Natalie Portman. Reflecting on the experience, she humorously recalled the discomfort of wearing heavy headdresses during filming.

Defining Moments and Diverse Roles

By 2004, Knightley had established herself as a leading actress with roles in films like Bend It Like Beckham and Love Actually. She took on the challenging role of Guinevere in King Arthur, showcasing her dedication by training in boxing, archery, and horse riding. Although the film received mixed reviews, her performance was highlighted as a standout.

In 2008, Knightley starred in The Edge Of Love, a romantic drama co-starring Sienna Miller and Cillian Murphy. Notably, the film was penned by her mother, Sharman Macdonald, providing a personal touch to her career.

Her versatility continued to shine in Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World in 2012. In this apocalyptic comedy-drama, she formed an unlikely bond with Steve Carell, exploring themes of love and companionship amid chaos. The film also marked the directorial debut of Lorene Scafaria, who would later achieve acclaim for her work on Hustlers.

Knightley ventured into unconventional territory with her role in Laggies (also known as Say When) in 2014. She portrayed a woman facing a quarter-life crisis, navigating her way through a friendship with teenagers and exploring the complexities of adulthood.

In 2016, she joined a star-studded cast in Collateral Beauty, a film that delves into grief and existential questions. Knightley played the role of “Love,” bringing depth to a story that features Will Smith and Kate Winslet.

Knightley reprised her iconic role as Elizabeth Swann in Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales in 2017, delighting fans with a brief cameo that connected her to the franchise’s legacy.

Continuing her exploration of fantastical narratives, she starred in The Nutcracker And The Four Realms in 2018. As the Sugar Plum Fairy, Knightley led a cast that included Mackenzie Foy and Helen Mirren, contributing to Disney’s trend of live-action adaptations.

In her most recent project, Silent Night, released in 2021, Knightley blended her love for festive films with a dark comedic narrative about a group of friends facing an impending apocalypse. This film further solidifies her position as a versatile actress capable of navigating various genres.

Knightley’s extensive body of work reflects her evolution as an actress and her ability to engage audiences across generations. As she continues to captivate viewers with new roles, it is worth revisiting her earlier performances that have shaped her career.