In a candid interview with *The Times of London*, Keira Knightley opened up about the emotional turmoil she faced during her rise to fame, particularly following her role as Elizabeth Swann in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise. The actress, who debuted at just 17 years old in the blockbuster 2003 film *Curse of the Black Pearl*, reflected on the immense pressure and public scrutiny that accompanied her success. The trilogy, which also includes *Dead Man's Chest* (2006) and *At World's End* (2007), was not just a box office sensation but also a catalyst for relentless media speculation surrounding Knightley’s personal life, particularly about her body image.

Knightley described how the staggering success of the *Pirates* films, which set historical records and solidified her status in Hollywood, came with a hefty emotional price. She recalled, “In that classic trauma way I don’t remember it,” as she spoke about the "public shaming" she endured from the media regarding her weight. The media frenzy not only led to rampant rumors about her health but also produced a toxic environment that she had to navigate throughout her young career.

“It’s obviously part of my psyche, given how young I was when it happened. I’ve been made around it,” she told *The Times*, acknowledging the deep-seated impact those experiences had on her. Luckily, Knightley mentioned her close-knit support system—comprising family, friends, and “lovely boyfriends”—which helped her cope with the harsh criticism.

Knightley recounted a particularly striking memory from a press tour, where she was interrogated about the struggles of another actress, one of the Olsen twins, who had sought help for anorexia. “I remember sitting there just being like, ‘Wow, this is wild.’ Can you imagine? That made me really emotional,” she shared. “That’s not even about me, it’s about her. I still can’t bear it.”

Despite the personal tribulations linked to the franchise, Knightley has continued to establish herself as a formidable talent in the industry, earning critical acclaim in films like *Atonement* and *Pride and Prejudice*, the latter of which garnered her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.

Reflecting on the duality of her experiences, she said, “It’s a funny thing when you have something that was making and breaking you at the same time. 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.”

When questioned about her future in Hollywood franchises, Knightley decisively stated, “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.” This stark realization has led her to step away from blockbuster projects, asserting her desire for more autonomy in her career.

In previous interviews, including one with *Harper’s Bazaar U.K.*, Knightley expressed that playing Elizabeth Swann, who was often perceived as merely an object of desire, left her feeling “stuck” and “constrained.” She elaborated on how this role starkly contrasted with her tomboyish persona, saying, “I felt very caged in a thing I didn’t understand.”

As she moves forward, Knightley continues to choose roles that resonate more deeply with her personal growth and artistic vision—an inspiring move for many aspiring actors looking to navigate the complex world of Hollywood without losing themselves.