Interview with Johnny Depp

Inspired by a Disney theme park ride, "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" follows the adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) as he chases after Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) in order to get back his stolen ship, the Black Pearl, and secure the release of Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley). Joining Captain Sparrow on his adventure is Elizabeth's childhood friend Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and working against the two of them and their ragtag crew is Commodore Norrington (Jack Davenport), who happens to be Elizabeth's fiancee.

Depp was intrigued by the role of Captain Jack when he learned he'd have the freedom to create the character from scratch. "It was a different kind of role for me. It was a great opportunity to invent this pirate from the ground up, to create a different kind of pirate than you have seen before."

Director Gore Verbinski sought out Depp because of his history of tackling quirky projects. "He's a brilliant actor. He's not out to create a fan base for himself, or to simply select work based on salary; it's clear he needs to find a role that gives back to him artistically."

Why a pirate movie now? Producer Jerry Bruckheimer explains, "I loved watching pirate pictures as a kid. 'Treasure Island,' 'Captain Blood' and 'The Black Pirate' were some of my favorites. Errol Flynn and Douglas Fairbanks were formidable, and although their movies are still exciting and very watchable today, I thought we could add some extra pizzazz to a popular theme."

Actor Johnny Depp adds, "Isn't it every boy's dream to be a pirate and get away with basically anything? Who wouldn't want to play a pirate?"

JOHNNY DEPP ('Jack Sparrow')

It's been reported that both Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards and the cartoon skunk Pepe LePew influenced your character, Captain Jack Sparrow. Why those two?

Keith has always been a great hero to me and I felt that pirates of the 18th century were sort of rock and roll stars. Who better than Keith Richards to be your inspiration? Pepe LePew - I always liked him.

What was the most difficult stunt for you to do in "Pirates?"

The sword fighting certainly was the most difficult.

Have your career choices changed since becoming a father?

To some degree but really I think I was always making choices for my kids with them in mind and hoping that they'd one day be proud of my work.

What was it like working with Orlando Bloom and Geoffrey Rush?

Great - they are both wonderful guys, amazing actors, [each with a] terrific sense of humor. It was a ball.

Interview with Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley has the enviable distinction of starring opposite two of Hollywood's hottest male stars - Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom - in Walt Disney Pictures' "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl."

After completing work on the indie sensation "Bend It Like Beckham," Knightley joined the cast of "Pirates" after the filmmakers looked at hundreds of known/unknown actresses. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinsky saw something special in the then 17-year-old Knightley.

"Obviously we were looking for a beautiful young woman but beauty alone was not enough. Like many of the characters in this film, Elizabeth is complex, and what you see on the surface isn't everything. It was imperative that the actress understood the many facets of her character, not just the love story between Elizabeth and Will," explains Bruckheimer.

KEIRA KNIGHTLEY ('ELIZABETH SWANN')

Here's a question most women are interested in asking: how was it to kiss Orlando Bloom?

It was lovely, lovely, lovely to kiss Orlando Bloom. It was great working with Orlando Bloom and Johnny Depp. They're fantastic guys, very funny, very talented so I really can't complain.

What was it like to be in a movie that's based on a Disney theme park attraction?

It was great. I mean "Pirates of the Caribbean" is a swashbuckling adventure so I think anybody will love this film - and I love the ride anyway.

What was the most difficult stunt you had to do?

The most difficult stunt I had to do was walk the plank and jump off the other end because the plank was moving up and down and the sea was moving side to side and it was very dizzy-making but I felt very proud of myself once I'd done it.

Because you did it yourself?