Keira Knightley had already become a Hollywood star when she was considered for ‘Pride & Prejudice‘. However, despite her growing success, she almost missed out on what would become one of her most celebrated performances.
Surprisingly, director Joe Wright initially hesitated to cast her as Elizabeth Bennet because of a personal belief. In the end, one meeting changed everything and helped launch one of British cinema’s most successful actor-director partnerships.
Joe Wright Thought Keira Knightley Was “Too Pretty” For ‘Pride and Prejudice’
Before Joe Wright and Keira Knightley became the iconic duo we know today, they met and worked together for the first time on ‘Pride & Prejudice’ in 2005. At the time, Knightley was breaking into Hollywood blockbusters, thanks to her roles in ‘Love Actually’ (2003) and the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ film series. It’s no surprise that she was considered one of the most beautiful young actresses in the industry.
Related: Keira Knightley Says Her Role In ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Made Her Feel ‘Caged In’
But Wright wasn’t convinced that Knightley was right for the role of Elizabeth Bennet. Surprisingly, he thought that her beauty might work against her portrayal of the character.
During an appearance on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Knightley revealed the story: “He said that I was too pretty. Which is quite a nice way to be turned down for a part, really. I mean, you can’t be too angry about it.”
Then she revealed how Wright ultimately changed his mind. Recalling the encounter, she laughed and explained that although she had initially been deemed too beautiful for the role, once Wright met her in person, things changed.
Why Joe Wright Had To Change His Vision For Elizabeth Bennet
Fortunately, as hilarious as the encounter was, despite the slight backhanded roast, Joe Wright’s first impression of Knightley ultimately forced him to reconsider. Recalling the encounter with a laugh, Knightley said Wright looked at her and responded, “Oh no. You’re fine!”.
In Case You Missed It: The Jane Austen Character Keira Knightley Felt Unworthy Of Playing
Reportedly, the two met in a dimly lit Toronto bar while Knightley was filming ‘The Jacket’ (2005). But rather than meeting a polished Hollywood star, Wright encountered someone whose personality surprisingly resembled Elizabeth Bennet’s character.
He later explained that Knightley possessed a tomboyish nature and a “scruffy independent spirit” that immediately reminded him of Austen’s heroine.
“[She] was not going to say what she thought you wanted her to say. She was going to say exactly what she thought,” Wright told Film Journal International, as reported by Mental Floss. “That—and her humor—made her a perfect Elizabeth.”
Ultimately, the decision landed Knightley the role that gave audiences one of the most beloved adaptations of ‘Pride & Prejudice’ and also marked the beginning of a creative partnership that remains celebrated to this day.
You Might Also Like To Read: Top 10 Jane Austen Movies And Series Adaptations, Ranked
