Keira Knightley Spills on ‘Black Doves’ Drama and Ditching Action Movies for TV

Initially recognized for her roles in action-packed movies such as Domino, King Arthur, and the Pirates of the Caribbean series, Keira Knightley shifted gears in her early 20s, moving away from physically demanding roles. “I was drawn to roles that focused on dialogue,” Knightley explains. “Besides, action movies tend to take a long time to shoot and can be quite monotonous.” However, with Joe Barton’s new espionage series Black Doves, Knightley has rediscovered her passion for action, blending it with rich character development, which she finds both surprising and enjoyable. “The character had to be captivating enough to hold my interest through two seasons,” Knightley remarks. “And she certainly is.”

DEADLINE: As an executive producer on Black Doves, how has your role influenced your connection to the project?

KEIRA KNIGHTLEY: Being an executive producer definitely deepens your connection. Initially, only the pilot was developed, so it allowed me to be actively involved in shaping the show’s direction. It’s crucial when the story could evolve in any number of ways. Committing to two seasons meant we had to develop a character that was intriguing enough to maintain interest over time. Receiving the script from Joe was thrilling because the character was so uniquely bizarre.

DEADLINE: Upon first introducing your character Helen Webb, she appears as a loving mother, devoted wife, gracious hostess, and a skilled spy. What does this complexity tell you about her?

KNIGHTLEY: It shows that a person can embody all these roles genuinely yet deceptively. I believe she truly loves her husband and excels in her social roles, but she’s also constantly deceiving everyone. This duality is what makes the role so intriguing and complex. Who is this person who can sincerely love their spouse yet continuously betray them? What does that say about the power dynamics in their relationship? Exploring these contradictions is what I find most fascinating about her.

DEADLINE: Do you enjoy the spy genre overall?

KNIGHTLEY: I do enjoy it. I’m a fan of John Le Carré’s work and the inherent melancholy in his stories. The solitude and the personal cost of deception are themes that resonate with me. Watching Smiley’s People recently reminded me of the genre’s depth. Black Doves combines that emotional depth with the high-octane thrill typical of spy dramas, which adds a layer of entertainment while preserving the genre’s poignant essence.

DEADLINE: The narrative pace is intense in this series. As an actress, does this offer more for you to explore?

KNIGHTLEY: Absolutely. The role’s complexity allows her to potentially take any action, which keeps her choices and the resulting dynamics fresh and unpredictable. She is both the hero and the anti-hero, sitting in a morally ambiguous space. This duality is incredibly engaging to play, especially against a background of such a dynamic and unconventional friendship at the heart of the story.

DEADLINE: Which scenes were most revealing about her true nature?

KNIGHTLEY: The scenes with her friend Sam, portrayed by Ben Whishaw, were particularly revealing. The chemistry and dynamic between them were pivotal, highlighting a deep, albeit unconventional, friendship. These interactions peeled back layers of her personality, showing her capacity for loyalty and affection amidst her deceptive nature.

DEADLINE: How do you relate to the character’s ability to compartmentalize her life, especially when switching from a professional to a personal setting?

KNIGHTLEY: It’s something I think many can relate to, not just in acting but in various professions. We often present different facets of ourselves depending on the setting. The challenge and intrigue of playing Helen is in how she manages these various personas, each genuine but in conflict with the others.

DEADLINE: Returning to action roles, how did you find the experience?

KNIGHTLEY: I thoroughly enjoyed it. After a break from action-intensive roles, it was exhilarating to return to physically demanding scenes. The training for the show, which included boxing and martial arts, was both challenging and rewarding.

DEADLINE: Looking forward, what can we expect from Helen in Season 2?

KNIGHTLEY: The next season promises to delve deeper into her complex psyche and the consequences of her actions. The unfolding drama is sure to explore the intricate layers of her character and relationships, particularly with her husband, further complicating the power dynamics at play.

DEADLINE: Finally, what was it like working under different directors for this series?

KNIGHTLEY: It was a unique experience. Each director brought their own vision and energy, which significantly influenced the filming process. This change was refreshing and injected new life into the production, keeping the atmosphere dynamic and engaging throughout the shooting schedule.

Black Doves is currently available for streaming on Netflix.