‘Princess of Thieves’ (2001): Keira Knightley’s First Starring Role Begins with Robin Hood Legend and Disney

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If you’re an avid, long time Disney aficionado, you may remember when, once upon a time, they aired Sunday night movies on network TV. For a short period of time, Disney movies was a thing during my childhood. Films like Annie premiered as part of the “Wonderful World of Disney,” a world that made me one giddy girl who couldn’t wait for the next televised premiere to roll around. One of these is The Princess of Thieves, one of Kiera Knightley’s first roles (and with Disney, too!).

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‘Princess of Thieves’ (2001) - Keira Knightley's First Starring Role Begins with 'Robin Hood' Legend and Disney. Review snippet of the 2001 film. © Rissi JC
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One of the Disney films that aired during this limited time Sunday night movie date is Princess of Thieves. A cute albeit bittersweet Robin Hood-esque adventure that looks at the legend through a new lens. That of Robin Hood’s long-held secret, his daughter, Gwyn. 

Another trivia fact you might not know about this film is that it stars Keira Knightley in, far as I can tell, her first major role. A role that is perhaps a kind of practice run for what would be her real break-out role as Elizabeth Swann in Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean. Also starring in this film is Stephen Moyer, Stuart Wilson and Malcolm McDowell.

It may suffer some from unpolished film-making or a few awkward cues, or misplaced period authenticity, but this film is all about the nostalgia for me. As I re-watched it recently, I was again reminded of all the reasons why I so enjoyed it. 

Find the official review for this film over on Silver Petticoat, and let me know, do you like this one? Have you seen it? Sound off with all your thoughts and comments.

PRINCESS OF THIEVES FILM REVIEW

Years ago, Sunday nights included Disney TV movies. I remember each time one would air, as the familiar antics of Tinker Bell would appear, the family settled in for a family movie night. One of those premieres was Princess of Thieves, a loose sequel that introduces us to a new generation of Robin Hood. Continue Reading on Silver Petticoat →

Content: There is some minor violence, and a few instances of torture. 

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

15 comments

    1. Me too! It's such a fun little adventure film – and I love that we can see Keira in a role back before she was a household name. :)

  1. I remember Sunday night Disney movies. It was family movie night complete with popcorn. Princess of Thieves was one of my favorites. To me it was a girl Robin Hood, my dad got me hooked on the legend of Robin Hood. Though my favorite Robin Hood will always be the Disney animated Robin Hood where Robin's a fox.

    1. Right? Same goes for me. The family movie nights were strong during this limited run. Yes, this one is one of my favorites too. Though to be honest, just because I'm such a romantic, I do wish the ending had been a little bit different. ;)

      Do you know, I'm not sure if I've ever seen the animated version. But I am excited about the upcoming live-action version. It looks good. :)

    1. Same for me, Christina. I used to love those Disney movie nights – and I'd second that. I think it'd actually work really well with all of the streaming services producing original films and TV shows. :)

  2. I've seen the trailer for this, but never watched the movie. I love Robin Hood, though, so I kind of want to check it out now! I get what you mean about nostalgic Disney movies, though- when we were younger, my siblings and I watched the old Disney "Swiss Family Robinson","Old Yeller", and "The Parent Trap" films ALL the time. Watching them now is such a nostalgic experience!

    1. It's so fun, Korin! A really cute adventure story. Let me know what you think of this one if you see it. :)

      Aw, I don't know that I ever saw Old Yeller, but I did adore The Parent Trap (newer version) as a kid. So fun. :)

    2. All right, I will. :)

      "Old Yeller" was pretty cute; it's one of those movies I saw when I was younger that now I can quote as I watch since I saw it so much. And yeah, the plot of "The Parent Trap" is really fun!

    3. I look forward to chatting with you about this one if you see it. :)

      I feel like I did probably see Swiss Family Robinson at one point, but Old Yeller? That one just doesn't sound familiar (in terms of having seen it). Perhaps someday I'll pick up a copy. It's always fun to remember those nostalgic favorites of our childhood. :)

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