Keira Knightley & Rosamund Pike Reunite 20 Years After ‘Pride & Prejudice’

Reunited in Laughter and Legacy: Keira Knightley and Rosamund Pike Reflect on the Magic of Pride & Prejudice, Stardom, and Sisterhood

In a rare, heartwarming and deeply reflective conversation orchestrated by Vanity Fair, Keira Knightley and Rosamund Pike — the luminous stars of Joe Wright’s 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice — reunited not only to discuss their legendary on-screen sisterhood but to trace the threads of friendship, artistic growth, and professional breakthroughs sewn across two decades.

The two actresses, who portrayed the Bennett sisters — Lizzie and Jane — found themselves in an hour-long exchange that was equal parts emotional memory lane, industry commentary, and unfiltered laughter. It was a reminder of just how pivotal their performances were — and how formative the experience was for them both.

A Dawn Scene, A 3AM Wake-Up, and a Cast in Sync

“Do you remember the dawn scene?” Keira asked, referring to one of the film’s most iconic moments — the romantic early-morning encounter between Lizzie Bennet and Mr. Darcy in the fields. It turns out, the entire cast got up at 3:00 AM to support the filming. “Everyone was there,” Rosamund recalled with a mix of awe and pride. “That kind of camaraderie — if the new Pride & Prejudice remake on Netflix isn’t doing that — they’re missing out.”

The moment perfectly encapsulated the sense of family and devotion that ran through the production. “It was magical,” Rosamund said. “We weren’t just playing sisters; we were sisters, in spirit.”

From Nun Chucks to Bonnet Dramas

Keira’s transformation from action roles to literary heroines was no small feat — and few recall that during filming, she was preparing for a very different kind of role. “I was simultaneously training with nun chucks for Domino, and knife practice at 5:00 AM before putting on a bonnet to play Elizabeth Bennet,” she laughed.

“I just remember thinking, ‘This girl is a badass,’” Rosamund grinned. “By day, she’s Lizzie. By night, she’s wielding weapons.”

Yet amid the action and costume changes, a different kind of training was happening too — emotional endurance. Keira carried the film as its lead at only 19, a feat that Rosamund praised repeatedly: “What was on your shoulders at that age was enormous. You never took a break, but you never let it show.”

Sisterhood On and Off Set

What becomes clear through their conversation is that the connection between Jane and Lizzie Bennet wasn’t just cinematic chemistry — it was rooted in genuine respect and affection.

“I didn’t have siblings growing up,” Rosamund shared, “so getting to play your big sister was such a treat.” The two reminisced about sneaking off to their character’s bedroom between takes to chat, rather than disappearing into trailers. “That closeness — it wasn’t for the cameras. It was real,” Keira added.

They also shared tender moments of envy and admiration. “I remember seeing you all having dinners, laughing, being together,” Keira said. “I missed out on so many of those because I had scenes to prep for. And I was shy.” But Rosamund, ever generous, reassured her: “We thought you were the coolest, most together one of us all.”

From Mr. Darcy to Donald Sutherland’s Gas Mask

Of course, no reunion would be complete without some delightful behind-the-scenes anecdotes.

There was the infamous party — “the one Donald Sutherland attended wearing a gas mask,” Keira laughed. Due to his strict no-smoking clause, and the era’s chain-smoking habits, Sutherland arrived geared up, stood in the middle of the haze, and declared: “I want you all to be able to smoke, and I wanted to come to the party.”

Or the day a forgotten Rolls Royce Silver Shadow was delivered to set — a vintage treasure he had left garaged near Manchester for years. “It glided in like it belonged to the Bennets,” Rosamund said.

The Role That Changed Everything

“I think I was seen as a terrible actress before that,” Keira admitted candidly. Despite the commercial success of Pirates of the Caribbean, it was Pride & Prejudice that changed her trajectory. “This was the first time I was seen as an actor. And then I got nominated for an Oscar. That changed everything.”

Rosamund agreed. “You took a character loved by so many and made her unforgettable. You were fearless.”

For Rosamund, the magic was in the story itself. “I remember being in New York on opening night, watching crowds line up. I knew we had made something special.”

Netflix’s Bold Remake — And a Warning

When asked how they feel about Netflix daring to remake Pride & Prejudice, both women shared a playful but pointed perspective.

“I still think it’s one of the greatest performances ever,” Rosamund said of Keira’s Lizzie. “I can’t believe they’re even trying.” Keira laughed, “How dare they?”

The actresses didn’t shy from offering advice: “If they’re not getting up at 3AM for the dawn scenes, if they’re not all-in with each other, they’re missing the point,” Keira warned.

TV, Spies, and Psychotic Characters

Both actresses have since found powerful footing in television — Keira in Netflix’s Black Doves, and Rosamund as the magical, no-nonsense Moiraine in The Wheel of Time.

“I strangle someone with a necklace in mine,” Keira said with glee. “That’s the kind of day I live for.” Rosamund chimed in: “She’s a bit of a psychopath. And I love it.”

They praised the genre shifts in streaming, how film and TV now blend, offering deeper character explorations and grander storytelling.

Mentors and Milestones

When asked about formative directors, both pointed to pivotal mentors. For Keira, it was Joe Wright, who directed her in Pride & Prejudice, Atonement, and Anna Karenina. “He believed in me at a moment when I really needed that belief.”

For Rosamund, it was David Fincher and her turn in Gone Girl. “I had more hours on camera in that one film than in the rest of my career combined. He taught me precision, nuance, and the discipline of knowing exactly what you’re thinking — even when you’re silent.”

The Legacy of Pride & Prejudice

Twenty years on, the impact of Pride & Prejudice still looms large. From fan encounters to critical retrospectives, it remains a touchstone for period dramas and coming-of-age artistry.

“It was magic,” Keira said simply. “And we knew it. Even back then.”

And as Rosamund summarized, “It was a story with magic — and I think everyone who’s ever touched that story gets a bit of that magic on them.”

Whether it’s the iconic dawn scene, the sisterly bedroom chats, or the unforgettable hat in Venice, Pride & Prejudice lives on — not just in the minds of fans, but in the hearts of the people who made it.

Now, if only someone would pass them a glass of champagne.