Paul Bettany avoids A Knight's Tale due to Heath Ledger's memory

Paul Bettany, who starred in the 2001 film "A Knight's Tale," has revealed he has not watched the movie since its initial release. The actor, who portrayed a fictionalized Geoffrey Chaucer, finds the film too emotionally difficult to rewatch. This reluctance stems from the profound loss he feels for his co-star, Heath Ledger, who died in 2008 at the age of 28.

Bettany maintains that his decision is largely due to missing Ledger "too much." He shared this sentiment during a talk at L.A. Comic Con in 2025, noting that the film feels like "another lifetime ago." While many remember lines from his other roles, Bettany is still often recognized in New York City by taxi drivers who recall a scene where his character appears naked after a gambling loss.

The action-comedy "A Knight's Tale" featured Ledger as William Thatcher, a peasant who becomes a knight, with Bettany playing his friend and advisor. The film also starred Shannyn Sossamon, Rufus Sewell, and Alan Tudyk.