Entertainment
Orlando Bloom Nearly Missed Iconic Roles in ‘Pirates’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Orlando Bloom, known for his iconic roles as Legolas in “The Lord of the Rings” and Will Turner in “Pirates of the Caribbean,” almost missed out on both franchises that catapulted him to global fame. The actor revealed in a recent interview that he initially hesitated to join the swashbuckling Disney film and was nearly cast as a different character in the Tolkien epic.
Bloom, who graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, landed the role of Legolas after originally auditioning for Faramir, a part that ultimately went to David Wenham. “I got a call to try out for Legolas on tape,” Bloom told The Independent. “Then I met with Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, and my agent called to say I got the role.” The trilogy, based on J.R.R. Tolkien‘s novels, became a cultural phenomenon, with Bloom’s portrayal of the Elven archer earning widespread acclaim.
Similarly, Bloom nearly passed on “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.” During an appearance on “The Howard Stern Show,” he admitted he was skeptical about a film based on a Disney ride, stating, “Pirate movies haven’t worked.” However, Geoffrey Rush, who later played Captain Hector Barbossa, convinced him to reconsider while they were filming “Ned Kelly” in Australia. “Geoffrey told me it would be a great part and that I should take it seriously,” Bloom recalled.
The first “Pirates” film, released in 2003, became one of Disney’s highest-rated live-action movies, grossing over $654 million worldwide. Bloom’s portrayal of Will Turner, a blacksmith’s apprentice turned swashbuckling hero, showcased his ability to blend innocence with determination. The film’s success spawned four sequels, though critical reception declined over time. A sixth installment is reportedly in development, though Keira Knightley, who played Elizabeth Swann, has expressed reservations about returning due to the demanding nature of the franchise.
Bloom’s career has since spanned a variety of genres, from historical epics like “Troy” to war dramas like “The Outpost.” In 2023, he starred in the sports film “Gran Turismo” and the psychological thriller “The Cut.” His next project, “Wizards!,” is currently in post-production.
Reflecting on his journey, Bloom acknowledged the pivotal roles that shaped his career. “Without Geoffrey Rush’s advice, I might not have taken the leap into ‘Pirates,'” he said. “And landing Legolas straight out of drama school was a dream come true.”
Fans of both franchises can hardly imagine anyone else in Bloom’s iconic roles. As he continues to diversify his portfolio, his legacy as Legolas and Will Turner remains a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal.